Telehealth · Washington State
Online medical marijuana card in Washington: how a telehealth visit works
A Green Wellness telehealth medical cannabis visit is a scheduled video appointment with a Washington-licensed health care professional. You verify your identity, the professional reviews your medical history and evaluates whether you meet Washington's qualifying-condition criteria, and — if you qualify — they issue your Washington medical cannabis authorization. You then take that authorization to a medically endorsed retailer to get your recognition card. This page covers what to bring, how scheduling and ID verification work, what it costs, and how online renewals work.
This page explains the process and logistics only. Whether you qualify is decided during the individual evaluation — see how to qualify in Washington for the state's criteria.
Step by step: what a telehealth visit looks like
- 1
Book your appointment
Choose a time online. You'll need to be a Washington resident and located in Washington for the visit, since the authorization is issued under Washington law by a Washington-licensed professional.
- 2
Verify your identity
Have a government- or state-issued photo ID ready. ID verification is a required part of the visit.
- 3
Have your records handy (if you have them)
Bring any relevant medical records or a summary of your condition. They aren't always required, but they help the professional complete the evaluation efficiently.
- 4
Join the video visit
A Washington-licensed health care professional (MD, DO, PA, ARNP, or ND) reviews your history and evaluates whether you meet the state's qualifying-condition definition.
- 5
Receive your authorization (if you qualify)
If the professional determines you qualify, they issue your Washington medical cannabis authorization on the state's official form.
- 6
Get your recognition card in person
Take your authorization plus your photo ID to a medically endorsed cannabis retailer to be entered into the state's Medical Cannabis Authorization Database and issued a recognition card. The card is issued in person because that is where the state database registration happens.
What do I need before the visit?
- A government- or state-issued photo ID
- A device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or computer) and a stable internet connection
- A private, quiet space for the video visit
- Any medical records or condition summary you have, if available
- A way to pay the evaluation fee (medical cannabis evaluations are generally self-pay)
What does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?
- Medical cannabis evaluations are generally self-pay. Most health insurance does not cover them, because cannabis is not a covered prescription drug. Green Wellness publishes its current evaluation fee on the pricing page.
- The recognition card fee is separate. Washington law sets a minimum $1 fee for the recognition card itself, paid at the medically endorsed retailer that registers you in the state database. Retailers may charge more than $1.
- A recognition card can save you money at the register: the state program lets recognition-card holders buy excise- and sales-tax-free medical cannabis products from medically endorsed retailers — a state benefit, not a clinic promotion.
How do online renewals work in Washington?
Washington specifically allows telehealth for renewals in many cases:
- After an initial visit, a health care professional may note in your record that you can renew your authorization using telemedicine. When that applies, your renewal can be a video visit rather than an in-person one.
- Adults renew every year; patients under 18 renew every six months.
- If renewing in person would cause severe hardship, Washington allows a designated provider to obtain the renewal card at a medically endorsed retailer (compassionate care renewal).
If you're a returning patient, mention it when you book so we can schedule the right visit type.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the telehealth visit take?
The video visit itself is typically short. The evaluation, authorization issuance, and (separately) the in-person recognition-card step are different parts of the process.
Do I have to be physically in Washington during the visit?
Yes. The authorization is issued under Washington law by a Washington-licensed professional, so you should be a Washington resident located in Washington for the appointment.
Can I get the actual card online too?
The evaluation and authorization can be done by telehealth. The recognition card is issued in person at a medically endorsed retailer, because that is where the state's Medical Cannabis Authorization Database registration takes place.
What if I don't have my old medical records?
You can still book. Records help, but the health care professional conducts their own evaluation. Bring whatever you have.
What ID do I need?
A current government- or state-issued photo ID. You'll use it both for the telehealth ID verification and again at the retailer for your recognition card.
Where's the official source for the rules?
The Washington State Department of Health Medical Cannabis program (doh.wa.gov) and RCW 69.51A are the authoritative sources for authorizations, telemedicine renewals, and recognition cards.
Ready to book your telehealth visit?
Same-day telehealth visits for Washington residents
Reviewed by Green Wellness clinical operations.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not guarantee certification or eligibility, which depend on an individual evaluation and your state's program rules. Consult a licensed physician about your specific situation.
Sources: Washington State Department of Health — Medical Cannabis Patient Information and FAQ; RCW 69.51A.060 (Washington State Legislature). Program rules can change; confirm the current requirements with the Washington State Department of Health.