RCW 69.51A.005 Purpose and intent. (1) The legislature finds that: (a) There is medical evidence that some patients with terminal or debilitating medical conditions may, under their health care professional’s care, benefit from the medical use of cannabis. Some of the conditions for which cannabis appears to be beneficial include, but are not limited to: […]
RCW 69.51A.010 Definitions. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1)(a) “Authorization” means a form developed by the department that is completed and signed by a qualifying patient’s health care professional and printed on tamper-resistant paper. (b) An authorization is not a prescription as defined in RCW […]
RCW 69.51A.030 Acts not constituting crimes or unprofessional conduct—Health care professionals not subject to penalties or liabilities. (1) The following acts do not constitute crimes under state law or unprofessional conduct under chapter 18.130 RCW, and a health care professional may not be arrested, searched, prosecuted, disciplined, or subject to other criminal sanctions or civil […]
RCW 69.51A.040 Compliance with chapter—Qualifying patients and designated providers not subject to penalties—Law enforcement not subject to liability. The medical use of cannabis in accordance with the terms and conditions of this chapter does not constitute a crime and a qualifying patient or designated provider in compliance with the terms and conditions of this chapter […]
RCW 69.51A.043 Failure to enter into the medical cannabis authorization database—Affirmative defense. (1) A qualifying patient or designated provider who has a valid authorization from his or her health care professional, but is not entered in the medical cannabis authorization database and does not have a recognition card may raise the affirmative defense set forth […]
RCW 69.51A.045 Possession of plants, cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products exceeding lawful amount—Affirmative defense. (1) A qualifying patient or designated provider in possession of plants, cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products exceeding the limits set forth in this chapter but otherwise in compliance with all other terms and conditions of this chapter […]
RCW 69.51A.050 Medical cannabis, lawful possession—State not liable. (1) The lawful possession or manufacture of medical cannabis as authorized by this chapter shall not result in the forfeiture or seizure of any property. (2) No person shall be prosecuted for constructive possession, conspiracy, or any other criminal offense solely for being in the presence or […]
RCW 69.51A.055 Limitations of chapter—Persons under supervision. (1)(a) The arrest and prosecution protections established in RCW 69.51A.040 may not be asserted in a supervision revocation or violation hearing by a person who is supervised by a corrections agency or department, including local governments or jails, that has determined that the terms of this section are […]
RCW 69.51A.060 Crimes—Limitations of chapter. (1) It shall be a class 3 civil infraction to use or display medical cannabis in a manner or place which is open to the view of the general public. (2) Nothing in this chapter establishes a right of care as a covered benefit or requires any state purchased health […]
RCW 69.51A.100 Qualifying patient’s designation of a specific designated provider—Provider’s service as designated provider—Termination—Department may adopt rules. (1) A qualifying patient may revoke his or her designation of a specific designated provider and designate a different designated provider at any time. A revocation of designation must be in writing, signed and dated, and provided to […]
RCW 69.51A.110 Suitability for organ transplant. A qualifying patient’s medical use of cannabis as authorized by a health care professional may not be a sole disqualifying factor in determining the patient’s suitability for an organ transplant, unless it is shown that this use poses a significant risk of rejection or organ failure. This section does […]
RCW 69.51A.120 Parental rights or residential time—Not to be restricted. A qualifying patient or designated provider may not have his or her parental rights or residential time with a child restricted solely due to his or her medical use of cannabis in compliance with the terms of this chapter absent written findings supported by evidence […]
RCW 69.51A.130 State and municipalities—Not subject to liability. (1) No civil or criminal liability may be imposed by any court on the state or its officers and employees for actions taken in good faith under this chapter and within the scope of their assigned duties. (2) No civil or criminal liability may be imposed by […]
RCW 69.51A.210 Qualifying patients or designated providers—Authorization—Health care professional may include recommendations on amount of cannabis. As part of authorizing a qualifying patient or designated provider, the health care professional may include recommendations on the amount of cannabis that is likely needed by the qualifying patient for his or her medical needs and in accordance […]
RCW 69.51A.220 Health care professionals may authorize medical use of cannabis—Qualifying patients under age eighteen. (1) Health care professionals may authorize the medical use of cannabis for qualifying patients who are under the age of eighteen if: (a) The minor’s parent or guardian participates in the minor’s treatment and agrees to the medical use of […]
RCW 69.51A.225 Students who qualify for the medical use of cannabis—Consumption of cannabis-infused products on school grounds. A school district must permit a student who meets the requirements of RCW 69.51A.220 to consume cannabis-infused products on school grounds, aboard a school bus, or while attending a school-sponsored event. The use must be in accordance with […]
RCW 69.51A.230 Medical cannabis authorization database—Recognition cards. (1) The department must contract with an entity to create, administer, and maintain a secure and confidential medical cannabis authorization database that allows: (a) A cannabis retailer with a medical cannabis endorsement to add a qualifying patient or designated provider and include the amount of cannabis concentrates, useable […]
RCW 69.51A.235 Compassionate care renewals—Rules—Effective date. The compassionate care renewals permitted in RCW 69.51A.030 and 69.51A.230 take effect November 1, 2019. The department may adopt rules to implement these renewals and to streamline administrative functions. However, the policy established in these sections may not be delayed until the rules are adopted. [ 2019 c 203 […]
RCW 69.51A.240 Unlawful actions—Criminal penalty. (1) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly or intentionally: (a) Access the medical cannabis authorization database for any reason not authorized under RCW 69.51A.230; (b) Disclose any information received from the medical cannabis authorization database in violation of RCW 69.51A.230 including, but not limited to, qualifying patient or […]
RCW 69.51A.250 Cooperatives—Qualifying patients or designated providers may form—Requirements—Restrictions on locations—State liquor and cannabis board may adopt rules. (1) Qualifying patients or designated providers may form a cooperative and share responsibility for acquiring and supplying the resources needed to produce and process cannabis only for the medical use of members of the cooperative. No more […]
