Laws
Cannabis
Know the Laws
Washington has many rules and laws governing the possession, use, and transportation of cannabis here and across state lines. This page gives details about complying with state laws. Using and Having
Liquor
Laws
Know the Laws
Producing, Selling, and Buying Alcohol Products The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has legal authority for licensing and regulating the production, distribution, and sales of alcoholic products in
Laws
Cannabis
Using and Having Cannabis
Cannabis for adult, non-medical use became legal in Washington State in 2012 after the passage of Initiative 502. Retail cannabis stores opened in 2014. Here are the laws to know and follow. 21+ only As with alcohol, tobacco, and vapor products, only adults age 21 and older may possess or use adult
Laws
Cannabis
Buying, Selling, and Gifting Cannabis
To buy: You do not need to be a Washington resident, but you must be at least 21 years old and show a valid, government-issued ID to buy cannabis or cannabis products at a licensed retail store. To locate licensed stores, you can check the map here. If you are not sure if a location is licensed, you
Laws
Cannabis
Growing Cannabis at Home
Washington does not allow home growing of cannabis plants, unless you are a qualified medical patient or designated provider with a valid authorization form. The number of plants allowed depends on whether you also hold a recognition card. Details are found on the WA State Dept. of Health website
Laws
Cannabis
Driving and Traveling
Driving under the influence Never get behind the wheel if you have been using cannabis. It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis; and it is a safety risk. Using cannabis can cause drowsiness, slow reaction time, and other side effects that can impair your driving, making it dangerous
Laws
Cannabis
Underage Purchase, Possession, and Use
It is illegal for anyone under age 21 to buy, possess, or use cannabis. (There are exceptions for qualified medical patients. See the WA State Dept. of Health Medical Cannabis website for more information.) Retail stores can lose their license for selling cannabis to someone under 21 years old
Laws
Cannabis
Tribal Lands
Most of Washington’s federally recognized, sovereign Tribal governments have established Tribal codes and laws governing the use and possession of cannabis on or within Tribal reservations and trust land boundaries. Twenty-two of the 29 federally recognized Tribes have compacts with the state to
Laws
Cannabis
Federal Implications
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, where it’s still classified as a controlled substance. This difference between Washington and federal laws can lead to challenges in knowing how and where the different laws apply. If necessary, consult with legal advisers to be sure you fully understand
Liquor
Enforcement
Laws
Public Safety Laws
Public safety violations are considered the most serious as they present a direct threat to public safety. Public safety liquor laws fall into the following categories: violations involving minors; the sale or service of alcohol to apparently intoxicated persons; conduct violations; and refusing to
Liquor
Laws
Safety
If You Are Under 21
Zero Tolerance Law In Washington State if you are under the age of 21, you don’t even have to be “buzzed” to be busted while driving. On your first offense with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .02-.07 percent, you could lose your license for 90 days. On a next offense, you could lose your
Liquor
Laws
Safety
Alcohol and Motor Vehicle Use
Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a motor vehicle while affected by alcohol, drugs, or both. Motor vehicle incidents involving drunk or drugged driving cost our state millions of dollars each year in serious injuries, property damage, medical costs, lost work time, and death