Possession of plants, cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products exceeding lawful amount — Affirmative defense.
RCW 69.51A.045
in effect(1) A qualifying patient or designated provider in possession of plants, cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products exceeding the limits set forth in this chapter but otherwise in compliance with all other terms and conditions of this chapter may establish an affirmative defense to charges of violations of state law relating to cannabis through proof at trial, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the qualifying patient's necessary medical use exceeds the amounts set forth in RCW 69.51A.040 . (2) An investigating law enforcement officer may seize plants, cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products exceeding the amounts set forth in this chapter. In the case of plants, the qualifying patient or designated provider shall be allowed to select the plants that will remain at the location. The officer and his or her law enforcement agency may not be held civilly liable for failure to seize cannabis in this circumstance.
(1) A qualifying patient or designated provider in possession of plants, cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products exceeding the limits set forth in this chapter but otherwise in compliance with all other terms and conditions of this chapter may establish an affirmative defense to charges of violations of state law relating to cannabis through proof at trial, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the qualifying patient's necessary medical use exceeds the amounts set forth in RCW 69.51A.040 .
(2) An investigating law enforcement officer may seize plants, cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products exceeding the amounts set forth in this chapter. In the case of plants, the qualifying patient or designated provider shall be allowed to select the plants that will remain at the location. The officer and his or her law enforcement agency may not be held civilly liable for failure to seize cannabis in this circumstance.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=69.51A&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026