If you're new to Washington State's medical marijuana program, you might be wondering: do I need to find a special dispensary, or can I use my medical card at any cannabis shop? The answer is nuanced — and knowing it can affect both your purchasing options and your tax savings.

Do I need a special "medical dispensary"?

No — Washington does not have a separate system of exclusive medical-only dispensaries. All legal cannabis retail stores in Washington are licensed recreational dispensaries under WSLCB oversight. However, some dispensaries carry a "medical marijuana endorsement" from the WSLCB, which authorizes them to serve registered medical patients and carry medical-track products.

What does a "medical endorsement" mean?

A recreational dispensary with a medical endorsement can:

Process tax-exempt purchases for registered DOH MMED patients
Stock higher-potency products (above the 35% THC cap that applies to recreational-only stores)
Have a trained medical marijuana consultant on staff
Sell products in medical-track packaging with required labeling

You'll want to shop at an endorsed store to access your full tax exemption and any medical-only products. Not all recreational stores have this endorsement — ask before you visit.

Can I use my written authorization at any dispensary?

Your written Green Wellness authorization is a legal medical document valid at any licensed WA cannabis retailer. However:

Tax exemption — only stores with a medical endorsement and only when you show proof of WA DOH MMED registration (or your recognition card) can process the tax exemption. Unendorsed stores may not be equipped to do so.
Basic purchase access — your authorization may help as ID documentation at any licensed store, but the tax benefit requires an endorsed store and MMED registration.

Finding medical-endorsed dispensaries near you

The WSLCB maintains a searchable database of licensed cannabis retailers at lcb.wa.gov. Look for stores with the "medical marijuana endorsement" designation near your location. Many large dispensary chains in Washington (including several in Spokane, Lynnwood, Olympia, and Vancouver) carry medical endorsements.

Green Wellness also maintains a dispensary directory with curated dispensary listings near each of our clinic locations.

What to bring to a dispensary with your medical card

Your Washington State ID (required at all dispensaries)
Your WA DOH recognition card (for tax exemption), or your MMED registration confirmation if the card hasn't arrived yet
Your Green Wellness written authorization (as backup documentation)

On your first visit to a new dispensary as a medical patient, let the budtender know you're a registered medical patient — they'll walk you through their process for processing the tax exemption and accessing any medical-track products.

What about higher-potency products?

Washington's recreational track limits flower products to 35% total THC. Medical-endorsed stores can carry products above this threshold for registered patients. For patients with severe chronic pain, terminal illness, or conditions requiring higher doses, medical-track access may be clinically meaningful. Ask at endorsed stores about their medical-track inventory.

Get your authorization and start shopping as a medical patient →

Medical vs. Recreational Dispensaries in Washington State: What's the Difference?