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Should Washington subsidize medical marijuana authorization fees for low income patients?

Writer's picture: David BenedicktusDavid Benedicktus

In Washington state we pay a fee to reauthorize our medical cannabis cards every 12 months. This fee for an initial visit is usually $150 then a range of $95 to $115 for renewals, depending on the health care provider.


In general, you can expect to pay between $90- $150 for the practitioner appointment. Also, most dispensaries charge a fee of $1-$5 to register and receive a photo ID card.


Registration is voluntary for adult patients (age 18 and older); but required for minor patients (under age 18) and their designated provider (parent/legal guardian).


Recently Pennsylvania began subsidizing medical cannabis authorization fees for patients in financial hardship who are on programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC. In Pennsylvania the fee for a medical cannabis authorization is $50.




The law went further than just subsidizing the authorization. When fully implemented, the third phase of the Pennsylvania program will distribute a to-be-determined benefit amount to eligible patients. That benefit can be applied to any medical marijuana product purchased at Pennsylvania dispensaries but cannot be used for non-medical products such as devices and accessories. There are 150 dispensaries open and dispensing products to patients within the state.


In Washington when you schedule an appointment with your health care practitioner you are interviewed to see if your medical condition qualifies (see Qualifying Conditions). If it is determined you qualify, your practitioner may provide you with a medical marijuana authorization - see form example.


Most people are not aware that In Washington state a medically endorsed marijuana retail licensee, a dispensary, may provide marijuana with .03 or less THC at no charge, at their discretion per WAC 314-55-080. You may consider asking your retail store if they have any programs in place for patients with limited income.


However, currently, there are no subsidies for the medical evaluation to obtain the authorization under the state’s qualifying conditions or regulations for dispensaries to donate products containing over .03 % THC.


Many people obtain a medical authorization for personal marijuana home grows which are currently prohibited under Washington State law without a medical marijuana authorization. Oregon and Colorado and other states allow anyone 21 or older to grow for personal use.


In WA, after obtaining a medical marijuana authorization you may grow 4 plants for personal use. A qualifying patient who is registered in the Medical Marijuana Authorization Database and has a recognition card (card) may grow 6 to 15 plants, depending on their healthcare practitioner's recommendation. The number of plants recommended is specified on the qualifying patient or designated provider's authorization and card.


It seems time for a progressive state like Washington to follow Pennsylvania’s lead.




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