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Washington Statewide Rule

Washington Prohibition on Recreational Home Cannabis Cultivation

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Key Facts

Recreational home grow
Prohibited statewide
Medical patient limit
6 plants (15 with endorsement)
Household maximum
15 plants per unit
Unlawful cultivation
Class C felony (RCW 69.50.401)
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Washington State Legislature

Summary

Washington uniquely prohibits recreational home cultivation of cannabis statewide, with cultivation only permitted by licensed producers and qualifying medical patients.

(3) The production, manufacture, processing, packaging, delivery, distribution, sale, or possession of cannabis in compliance with the terms set forth in RCW 69.50.360, 69.50.363, or 69.50.366 shall not constitute a violation of this section, this chapter, or any other provision of Washington state law.

Source: Washington State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Washington law and Initiative 502, recreational adults may not grow cannabis at home. Cultivation is limited to producers licensed by the Liquor and Cannabis Board under RCW 69.50.325. Qualifying medical patients registered in the authorization database may grow up to six plants for personal use, or up to fifteen with a health care provider's endorsement, under RCW 69.51A.210, with no more than fifteen plants per housing unit. Unauthorized cultivation of any amount is a Class C felony under RCW 69.50.401. This statewide prohibition cannot be overridden by local ordinances.

Violations & Penalties

Unauthorized cannabis manufacture is a Class C felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine. Cultivation of more than the medical limit by qualifying patients can also trigger felony charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adults legally grow cannabis at home in Washington?
No. Washington is one of the only legal-cannabis states that does not permit recreational home cultivation. Only LCB-licensed producers and qualifying medical patients may grow cannabis.
Can my Washington city allow home cultivation if state law forbids it?
No. The state Controlled Substances Act preempts local ordinances that would authorize cannabis cultivation beyond what RCW 69.50 and RCW 69.51A permit. Cities cannot legalize what state law criminalizes.

Sources

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