Spokane Marijuana Guide
Whether you’re a Spokane local, or visiting the Pacific Northwest for the first time, you likely have some questions about marijuana in Washington State. Staying informed on both the law and proper marijuana etiquette is paramount to having a safe and enjoyable time when planning to use cannabis in Washington State. From the best local Spokane weed shops to the latest information on Washington marijuana laws, here is everything you need to know about marijuana in Spokane, Washington.
History of Marijuana Legalization in Washington State
In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states in the US to legalize the consumption and possession of recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21. Leading the way for marijuana legalization in the United States was no easy task and Washington State marijuana laws have varied over the years.
The rollout of marijuana across the state was slow, but today there are 6.2 dispensaries for every 100,000 residents, ranking Washington State 6th in the nation. Despite placing 6th in dispensary density, Washington places 1st in cannabis sales tax, with a 35% tax added to any sale of recreational cannabis in the state. On top of the sales tax, a marijuana excise tax is placed upon any sale as well, bringing the grand total to a 46.2% tax imposed on any cannabis sale in Washington state.
Marijuana Taxes in Washington
Despite varying opinions on Marijuana across Washington State, the sky-high taxes added to marijuana sales have generated billions of dollars in tax revenue for the state. The tax revenue created from the sale of marijuana averages about 2% of Washington's budget every year, which totaled about $1 billion dollars in 2021.
The 2012 Washington State marijuana legalization bill, Initiative - 502, originally prescribed half of all cannabis taxes to be spent on public health programs. Since then, state legislators have made numerous changes to what the state spends marijuana tax revenue on. Today, 58% of money from marijuana taxes goes towards public health programs, 33% goes to the state’s general fund and 6% is split between local government funding and licensing and enforcement of laws.
Washington Marijuana Laws 2023
Knowing the laws surrounding cannabis is vital when safely enjoying marijuana products in Washington State. The sale, consumption and possession of cannabis are currently legal for anyone over the age of 21 in Spokane, Washington.
Cannabis Possession Laws in Spokane
In Spokane, adults over 21 are allowed to carry the following amount of marijuana products:
- 1 ounce or less of cannabis
- 72 ounces of liquid marijuana products
- 16 ounces of edible marijuana products
- 7 grams of extracts or concentrates
- Paraphernalia used to consume marijuana
Adults under the age of 21 are not legally allowed to consume or possess any amount of marijuana in Spokane.
Public Consumption: Where To Smoke Weed in Spokane
While buying or carrying marijuana is legal in Spokane County, public consumption of cannabis remains illegal. This means that you cannot smoke, eat or drink any marijuana in public view.
So where can you smoke weed while in Spokane?
The use of marijuana in Washington is legal in a few places. First, you can smoke weed while in a private residence, provided the property owner allows it. Second, you can use marijuana while inside a hotel room which allows the use of cannabis and permits smoking in the room (check with your specific hotel before using).
Marijuana and Driving in Spokane
Similar to alcohol, driving a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana has a legal limit and can land you a DUI if you’re not careful. For legal-aged adults in Washington, there is a legal limit of 5 nanograms of THC per millimeter of blood. Determining this limit can be tricky and for that reason, most recommend not driving at all while using marijuana products.
Using marijuana in any amount while operating a motor vehicle is illegal for anyone under the age of 21.
Buying Marijuana in Spokane 2023
If you're looking for Spokane's best dispensary while in the city, there are several things you should know. First, you will need to be over the age of 21 and have a valid form of identification to prove it. Driver's licenses, passports and state-issued IDs will all suffice as valid ID forms. Second, marijuana can only be purchased at state-licensed cannabis dispensaries which allow the sale of recreational marijuana products. No one under the age of 21 will be allowed in the dispensary, even if they don’t plan to make a purchase. While inside the shop, you will be allowed to purchase up to an ounce of cannabis flower.
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SmokaneGet Directions
Smokane has been serving Spokane’s recreational marijuana community since March 2014. We carry a full selection of cannabis-related products from flowers, edibles, and concentrates to bongs, pipes, and other equipment and accessories.
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Cannabis & GlassGet Directions
With a menu that exceeds 400 different strains of flower and concentrate, accompanied by our potent selection of edibles, you are sure to find the products you love.
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The Green NuggetGet Directions
As Spokane's single largest retail cannabis store, we pride ourselves on being Leafly.com's #1 Largest Selection in Spokane with over 2,000 legal marijuana products of all potencies for you to select from, all at…
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Lovely BudsGet Directions
Lovely Buds is one of Spokane's top dispensaries, offering up some of the finest cannabis products in Eastern Washington.
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CinderGet Directions
Cinder is the largest Spokane, Washington cannabis retailer. Specializing in quality cannabis and marijuana accessories. Cinder offers a rotation of marijuana flower, cannabis concentrates, edibles, drinkables, vape cartridges, and cannabis topicals.
The Best Dispensaries in Spokane
Planning to buy some top quality marijuana in Spokane Washington? Here is our list of the best weed shops in Spokane in 2023. Please note, you will need to be 21 or over to visit these locations and websites.