Laws about the use of cannabis are changing rapidly and can be confusing. Laws differ by type of use, such as medical or adult use (sometimes called recreational use), and they also vary by state. While many states allow for the medical use of cannabis, and an increasing number of states have legalized cannabis for adult use, cannabis use remains illegal at the federal level, and adult-use cannabis is illegal for individuals who are under the age of 21. Parents, or those in a parenting role, and teens are often unclear about the laws and have misconceptions about the consequences of breaking the laws.

Let’s explore the laws regarding cannabis use in Washington State and discuss scenarios that you, as a parent or someone in a parenting role, might encounter. Note that certain localities may have stricter laws (ordinances), that laws change, and that this information is not a substitute for legal advice.

In Washington State, cannabis use is legal for adults who are at least 21 years old.^1 Using or possessing cannabis is illegal for people under the age of 21 unless medically authorized.^2

● It is illegal for someone under the age of 21 to possess, manufacture, sell, or consume cannabis or cannabis-infused products unless they are authorized as a qualifying patient by a healthcare professional, a resident of the state of Washington, entered into the medical marijuana authorization database, and have a recognition card.^4

● It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis.

● Adults 21 years and older can possess and use cannabis for medical and adult-use purposes.

● Adults 21 years and older can purchase up to one ounce of usable cannabis (the harvested flowers, or “bud”), 16 ounces of cannabis-infused edibles in solid form, 72 ounces in liquid form, and 7 grams of cannabis concentrates.

● Adults 21 years and older can possess cannabis-related drug paraphernalia.

● Cannabis can only be sold and purchased at state-licensed retail stores. No one under the age of 21 is allowed on the retail premises.

● It is illegal to consume cannabis in view of the public.

● It is illegal to provide someone under the age of 21 with cannabis unless you are the parent/guardian and are a designated provider for a minor who is a qualifying patient and holds a recognition card.

● It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis.

● It is illegal to take cannabis outside of Washington.

Depending on current laws and other factors, breaking laws regarding cannabis possession and use may result in criminal or civil charges, and penalties range from deferred sentences to fines to imprisonment.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal, and the legal system treats driving under the influence charges similarly, regardless of the substance. That is, driving under the influence of any drug or substance, whether the substance is alcohol or cannabis, has similar legal consequences. Penalties can include jail and fines.

What if my child/teen encounters a cannabis plant at a friend/neighbor’s home? Can they try it?

It is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to use or possess cannabis unless they have a recognition card. And, it is not a good idea for young people to even “just try” cannabis, as such use is a...