Last verified: March 2026

Can Tourists Buy Cannabis in Washington?

Yes. Any adult 21 or older can purchase recreational cannabis at any WSLCB-licensed retail store in Washington State. You do not need to be a Washington resident, and you do not need a medical card. All you need is a valid government-issued photo ID proving you are 21 or older — a driver's license, passport, or state/military ID from any state or country.

Washington has approximately 460 licensed retail stores statewide, and visitors have the same purchase and possession rights as Washington residents.

Purchase and Possession Limits

Out-of-state visitors have the same limits as Washington residents:

• 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower
• 7 grams of cannabis concentrates
• 16 ounces of cannabis-infused solids (edibles)
• 72 ounces of cannabis-infused liquids

Edibles are capped at 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg per package. You can carry the full limit of each product type simultaneously.

What You Cannot Do as a Visitor

While buying cannabis is straightforward, there are strict rules about what happens after your purchase:

You Cannot Cross State Lines

Transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime — even if you're traveling between two states where cannabis is legal. This is the most critical rule for visitors to understand:

• Oregon border: Cannabis is legal in Oregon, but crossing the state line with cannabis in either direction is a federal crime. Do not transport cannabis across the Columbia River or through any Oregon-Washington border crossing.
• Idaho border: Cannabis is completely illegal in Idaho — even possession of small amounts can result in criminal charges. Eastern Washington visitors driving to or from Idaho must be especially careful.
• Canadian border: Crossing the international border with cannabis is a serious federal crime. Despite cannabis being legal in both Washington and British Columbia, crossing the border with any amount is illegal and can result in criminal charges in either country, denial of future entry, or both. This applies to all border crossings, including the Peace Arch, Blaine, and Sumas crossings.

You Cannot Consume in Public

Public consumption is a Class 3 civil infraction carrying approximately a $50 fine under RCW 69.50.445. This includes streets, sidewalks, parks, restaurants, bars, and any public space. Cannabis may only be consumed in private residences with the property owner's permission. Washington has no consumption lounges.

For visitors, this presents a practical challenge: if you're staying in a hotel that prohibits cannabis use, or an Airbnb where the host doesn't allow it, finding a legal consumption space can be difficult. Always check with your accommodation in advance. For full details, see our Where You Can Consume page.

You Cannot Fly With Cannabis

Airports are federal property. TSA operates under federal law, and cannabis is illegal at the federal level. Do not bring cannabis into any airport terminal, through security, or onto an aircraft — including edibles, vape cartridges, or any THC product. This applies to Sea-Tac International Airport, Spokane International Airport, and all other airports in Washington.

You Cannot Have Cannabis Delivered

Washington does not permit cannabis delivery. All purchases must be made in person at a licensed retail store. There is no legal way to have cannabis delivered to your hotel, vacation rental, or any other location.

You Cannot Mail Cannabis

The U.S. Postal Service is a federal agency, and shipping cannabis through the mail is a federal crime. Private carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL) also prohibit cannabis shipments. Do not attempt to mail cannabis to yourself or anyone else.

Federal Land Warning

Washington is home to significant federal land where cannabis is strictly illegal, regardless of state law. Visitors planning outdoor activities should be aware:

• Mount Rainier National Park — the state's most visited national park
• Olympic National Park — including the Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Ridge
• North Cascades National Park
• National forests — Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Olympic, Gifford Pinchot, Okanogan-Wenatchee, and Colville national forests
• San Juan Islands National Monument
• Military installations — Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Station Everett, Naval Base Kitsap

Federal rangers enforce federal law on these lands. Do not bring cannabis to any national park, national forest, or other federal property in Washington.

Cannabis in Your Vehicle

If you're driving within Washington with legally purchased cannabis:

• Keep cannabis in its original sealed container from the retail store
• Store it in the trunk or an area not accessible to the driver or passengers
• Never consume in the vehicle — not as a driver, not as a passenger, not even parked
• Washington has a 5 ng/mL THC per se limit for DUI — see our DUI & Driving page

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Buy near your accommodation. Purchase cannabis close to where you're staying so you can return to consume on private property (with permission).
• Use it before you leave. Plan purchases so you consume everything before departure. Do not buy more than you can use during your stay.
• Check your accommodation's policy. Call or message your hotel, Airbnb host, or vacation rental manager before booking if cannabis use is important to your visit.
• Consider edibles. They're more discreet than smoking and don't create odor issues in accommodations, but still cannot be consumed in public.
• Use rideshare, not your car. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and other cities. A DUI carries a mandatory 24-hour jail minimum, 1-year ignition interlock, and license suspension.
• Keep your receipt. Your dispensary receipt proves your cannabis was legally purchased in Washington.
• Do not cross any border. Not to Oregon, not to Idaho, and especially not to Canada.

If you're new to cannabis, start with Dosing Fundamentals on TryCannabis.org before your first purchase. The "start low, go slow" approach is especially important for edibles.

Official Sources

• Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
• RCW 69.50 — Uniform Controlled Substances Act