All licensed and medically endorsed marijuana retail stores are required to have a certified medical marijuana consultant issued by the Washington State Department of Health on staff to work with medical cannabis patients in the State of Washington.

The certified consultant isn’t a medical provider and can do only the following:

Enter patient and designated provider information from the authorization form into the medical marijuana database and create the medical marijuana recognition card.

Assist the patient with selecting products.

Describe risks and benefits of methods for using products.

Give advice on ways to properly store products and keep them safe from children and pets.

Show how to properly use products.

Answer questions about the medical marijuana law.

Services not allowed by consultants:

Provide medical advice.

Diagnose any conditions.

Recommend changing current treatment(s) in place of marijuana.

May not open and use actual products when demonstrating how to use.

To qualify for certification as a medical marijuana consultant you must:

Be 21 years of age or older, as required under WAC 246-72-020.

Completion of department-approved 20-hour training program and provide proof of completion.

Complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Because this isn’t required to be covered in the 20-hour training, it can be taken any time prior to applying for certification.

Print out, complete and submit by mail or in-person the Medical Marijuana Consultant Certification application, with all requested documentation, an original signature, date, and fee.