Only purchase cannabis from WSLCB-licensed retail stores. Washington has over 600 licensed stores statewide, with ~210 in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area alone. Verify any dispensary's license at the WSLCB active licensee list. Licensed stores guarantee lab-tested, properly labeled products.

You must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID. Driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID from any U.S. state or country accepted. There is no residency requirement — tourists buy the same products at the same limits as Washington residents.

The only place to legally consume cannabis in Washington is on private property with the owner's permission. There are no consumption lounges in Washington. Your lodging (if the host permits), a friend's home, or a cannabis-friendly vacation rental are your legal options.

Washington has the highest cannabis excise tax in America: 37%. With state and local sales taxes added, you will pay 44–50% in total taxes. A $30 pre-tax product costs $43–$45 at the register. If you are visiting from Oregon, Colorado, or other lower-tax states, budget accordingly.

When transporting cannabis, keep it in the original sealed container stored in the trunk or an area not accessible to the driver or passengers. An open container of cannabis in the passenger compartment can result in a citation. The sealed exit bag from the dispensary is your best bet.

Some Washington dispensaries are cash-only or cash-preferred due to federal banking restrictions. Many accept debit cards, but ATMs on-site may charge $3–$5 fees. Factor in the 44–50% total tax when calculating how much cash to bring.

If you are new to cannabis, start with 2.5–5 mg THC for edibles (wait 1–2 hours before taking more) or one small puff of flower (wait 10–15 minutes). Washington edibles are capped at 10 mg per serving and 100 mg per package. Ask your budtender for their lowest-dose recommendation. Visit TryCannabis.org for dosing guidance.

Washington's most popular outdoor destinations — Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, North Cascades — are federal land where cannabis is a federal misdemeanor: up to 1 year in prison, $1,000 fine. National forests (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Olympic, Gifford Pinchot, Okanogan-Wenatchee) and military bases (JBLM, Naval Station Everett, NAS Whidbey Island, Fairchild AFB) are also off-limits. Read our Federal Land Warning.

Public consumption is a Class 3 civil infraction carrying an approximately $50 fine. This includes streets, sidewalks, parks, trails, parking lots, beaches, and any place open to public view. The Washington Clean Air Act also applies to cannabis smoking the same as tobacco, adding further restrictions. There is no "stepping outside to smoke" exception.

Transporting cannabis across any state line is a federal offense. You cannot bring cannabis into Oregon, Idaho, or Canada — even though Oregon is also a legal state. Cannabis purchased in Washington must stay in Washington.

Washington enforces a strict 5 ng/mL THC per se limit for DUI. A first-offense cannabis DUI carries a minimum of 24 hours in jail. A medical cannabis authorization provides no defense. Use rideshare (Uber and Lyft are widely available in Seattle and major cities), taxis, or plan ahead with a sober driver.

Washington does not permit cannabis delivery. You must visit a licensed retail store in person to purchase cannabis. Plan your dispensary visit before heading to your accommodation, especially if you are staying in a rural area far from the nearest store.

Most Washington hotels, motels, and resorts prohibit cannabis use on their property. Violating hotel policy can result in cleaning fees, fines, and removal. Always check your lodging's cannabis policy before booking. Cannabis-friendly vacation rentals exist, but you must confirm directly with the host. Landlords have the legal right to prohibit cannabis use on rental properties.

Recreational home cultivation is a Class C felony in Washington, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Washington is nearly unique among legalization states in maintaining this ban. Do not grow, and do not bring seeds or live plants into the state for personal cultivation.

TSA operates under federal law at SEA-TAC and all Washington airports. Do not bring cannabis through airport security, even on flights within Washington State. Use or dispose of your cannabis before heading to the airport.

Mailing cannabis via USPS, FedEx, or UPS is a federal crime regardless of state law at either end. Do not attempt to mail cannabis to yourself, to Washington, or from Washington.

Providing cannabis to anyone under 21 is a serious criminal offense. Distribution to minors is a Class B felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. If you are traveling with children, store all cannabis products securely out of their reach in child-resistant packaging.