Medical Marijuana FAQ
Common questions about Washington State medical marijuana evaluations — answered by the Green Wellness team.
Qualifying & Eligibility
What conditions qualify for a medical marijuana authorization in Washington?
Washington recognizes a broad list of qualifying conditions, including: chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety disorders, cancer and cancer treatment side effects, nausea and vomiting, seizure disorders and epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms, Crohn's disease and IBD, intractable pain, glaucoma, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions determined by a licensed provider. Not sure whether yours qualifies? Book a visit — our physicians make that call at your appointment.
Do I need to be a Washington State resident?
Yes. You must be a Washington State resident and be physically located in Washington at the time of your appointment. Bring a valid WA driver's license or state ID — this is required at every visit.
Do I need a referral from another physician?
No referral needed. Anyone who thinks medical cannabis might help can book directly with us — our physicians take it from there.
Do I have to be 18 to be a patient?
Yes — online bookings require patients to be 18 or older. Washington State's medical marijuana program is generally for adults. Please call us at 1-888-885-9949 if you have questions about eligibility.
Do you have local Washington State physicians, or is this a remote service?
Green Wellness physicians are licensed in Washington State and physically present at our clinic locations. New patients meet in-person with a local WA physician; returning patients can renew via telehealth from anywhere in Washington.
Appointments & Process
How do I set up an appointment with Green Wellness?
Book instantly with our online scheduler — just click the "Book an Appointment" button above. You can also call us at 1-888-885-9949. Pre-qualifying is easy, free, and 100% confidential.
How long does the appointment take?
New patient in-person evaluations take approximately 30–45 minutes. Annual renewal appointments (virtual or in-person) are typically 15–30 minutes. You'll receive your written authorization before you leave (or before the video call ends, for telehealth).
What do I need to bring to my visit?
Bring a valid Washington State driver's license or state ID proving residency. Medical records related to your qualifying condition are helpful but not required. Payment is collected securely online at booking (credit or debit card). Please arrive a few minutes early.
Do I need to bring medical records?
Medical records are optional but helpful — bringing recent records (last 1–3 years) related to your qualifying condition can strengthen your evaluation. If you don't have them, our providers can still assess you based on your reported history.
Can you explain the medical marijuana approval process?
You'll complete medical history forms and provide your ID and records. A physician will conduct a physical exam and review your history. If medical marijuana is determined to be the best treatment option for your condition, you'll receive your authorization the same day.
What if a provider determines I don't qualify?
Our providers give honest, individualized assessments — medical marijuana isn't right for every patient, and we take that seriously. If a provider determines it isn't the best option for you, they'll explain why and discuss alternatives. Please call us at 1-888-885-9949 if you have questions before booking.
Can I get my authorization the same day?
Yes. Every visit ends with your written authorization in hand — before you leave the office, or before the telehealth call wraps. No waiting periods, no follow-up visits required for most patients.
Pricing & Tax Benefits
Why are your prices listed online when other clinics don't publish them?
Because you should know what something costs before you book it. New patient in-person evaluations are $175; telehealth renewals are $140. No surprises, no phone-call gauntlet to find out.
What are the tax benefits of having a medical card?
Medical cardholders are exempt from Washington's 37% cannabis excise tax AND local sales taxes on DOH-compliant products. Depending on your county, that's up to 47% in combined tax savings — for many patients, hundreds to thousands of dollars a year through June 2029 (HB 1453).
After Your Authorization
What happens after I receive my authorization?
After your appointment you'll receive a written authorization document. To get your official recognition card (which raises possession limits and provides additional legal protections), you'll need to register yourself in the Washington State DOH Medical Marijuana Authorization Database (MMED): (1) Visit the WA DOH MMED patient portal online. (2) Upload your written authorization and a valid government-issued photo ID. (3) Pay the $1 state registration fee. (4) Your recognition card is mailed within a few weeks. You can purchase from licensed dispensaries using your written authorization right away — you don't need to wait for the card.
How many times a year do I need to be seen?
Due to changing Washington State laws, you may require up to 2 visits annually to maintain your authorization. We'll let you know what's required at your appointment.
Privacy & HIPAA
Is my information private?
Absolutely. Your visit is protected under HIPAA, the Patient Privacy Act, and Washington's medical marijuana statutes (RCW 69.51A). We don't share your information with employers, law enforcement, or anyone else without your written consent.
Ready to get your medical card?
Same-day appointments · No referral required · 4 Washington State locations