Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
🌱 Cannabis Regulations/Home Cultivation

Federal Way vs Seattle

How do home cultivation rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?

Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.

Federal Way, WA

King County

Heavy Restrictions

Home cultivation of recreational cannabis is illegal in Federal Way and throughout Washington under I-502 and RCW 69.50. Qualifying medical patients may grow up to 6 plants at home under RCW 69.51A.

View full Federal Way rules →

Seattle, WA

King County

Heavy Restrictions

Washington state law prohibits home cultivation of cannabis for recreational use; only qualifying medical patients may grow at home, and Seattle enforces state law with no local opt-out or expansion.

View full Seattle rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactFederal WaySeattle
Recreational Home GrowIllegal statewide-
Medical Home GrowUp to 6 plants, RCW 69.51A-
Retail Possession1 oz flower, 21+-
Felony ExposureUp to 5 years unlicensed-
Recreational Home Growing-Prohibited under Washington state law
Medical Patient Limit-Up to 6 plants (15 with enhanced authorization)
State Law-RCW 69.50 – Uniform Controlled Substances Act
Seattle Policy-Lowest law enforcement priority for personal cannabis offenses

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Federal Way FAQ

Can I grow one or two cannabis plants at my Federal Way home?

No. Washington is one of the few legalization states that does not allow recreational home grow. Any production without a WSLCB license is a felony under RCW 69.50.401, regardless of plant count or intent.

I have a medical cannabis authorization. How many plants can I grow in Federal Way?

Medical patients registered in the state database may grow up to 6 plants for personal use, or up to 15 plants with an enhanced authorization, under RCW 69.51A. Plants must not be visible from public spaces.

Seattle FAQ

Can I grow cannabis at home in Seattle for personal use?

No, home cultivation of cannabis for recreational purposes is illegal under Washington state law, even though recreational use and purchase from licensed stores is legal. Only registered medical cannabis patients with a valid recognition card may grow at home, with a limit of 6 plants (or 15 with enhanced authorization).

Will Seattle police enforce home grow laws?

Seattle has adopted a lowest law enforcement priority policy for personal cannabis offenses, meaning police focus resources elsewhere. However, the activity remains technically illegal, and large unauthorized grows can still be prosecuted, particularly if they involve distribution or create nuisance complaints.

Compare other topics

See how Federal Way and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool