What are Washington state’s rules for cannabis use? Know these laws ahead of 4/20
The ultimate holiday for cannabis users is just around the corner.
Monday is April 20, also known as 4/20.
Recreational cannabis has been legal in Washington state for more than a decade — but there are still restrictions on how and where you can use it.
McClatchy Media’s Northwest service journalism team has researched numerous cannabis laws, including rules about driving with weed.
Here are five laws to know:
How much cannabis can I buy at Washington dispensaries?
Washington state law limits the amount of product a non-seller can buy at one time.
You can’t buy more than an ounce of flower, 16 ounces of solid-form edibles, 72 ounces of liquid edibles and 7 grams of oil.
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Can I smoke weed in public in Washington state?
Although Washington residents can legally smoke cannabis at private residences, property owners are allowed to restrict smoking on their land or building.
In Washington, it’s against state law to smoke or vape cannabise or consume edibles in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, trails and ski resorts.
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Can my neighbor report me for smoking cannabis?
If you catch a neighbor smoking cannabis on a rental property, you can get the landlord or property manager involved.
However, if you and your neighbor are both on individually owned properties, you may have difficulty restricting their cannabis usage.
Most apartment complexes in Washington state prohibit smoking in common areas under state law.
Your ocal public health department can get involved if there are continued complaints of secondhand smoke.
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How do I report unsafe cannabis products in Washington state?
Cannabis products in Washington state must be tested extensively before hitting the market, but some products may still be faulty or unsafe.
That’s especially true with the rise of distilled cannabis oil vape pens.
If you have a safety issue, suspect pesticides or have another reason to report a cannabis product, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board accepts reports online or over the phone at 360-664-9878.
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Can I get fired for using cannabis off the clock?
Washington state law prohibits employers from discriminating against potential employees who use cannabis.
Certain jobs are exempt from this law, including positions with airlines, correctional facilities and fire departments as well as “safety sensitive positions” where impairment presents a “substantial risk of death.”
However, employers are allowed to enforce drug-free workplaces and can test existing employees under certain circumstances.
Workers can be fired for violating drug-free policies on the clock or in their off-hours — even if they use cannabis for medical reasons.
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McClatchy Media’s Jared Gendron contributed reporting used in this article.
This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "What are Washington state’s rules for cannabis use? Know these laws ahead of 4/20."