Cannabis Expungement in Washington

Washington (WA)Petition-Based Expungement

Individuals must file a petition with the court to request expungement of eligible cannabis records.

View full Washington cannabis market profile →

At a Glance

Expungement Type
Petition-Based
Est. Eligible Records
~15,000
Eligible Offenses
2

Overview

Washington was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis (2012, I-502) and has subsequently enacted legislation to address prior cannabis convictions. SB 5605 (2019) simplified the process for vacating (Washington's term for expungement) misdemeanor cannabis convictions. The law allows individuals to petition the court to vacate convictions for offenses that are no longer criminal. While not automatic, the process is well-established. Governor Jay Inslee also issued pardons for individuals convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession. Washington's approach reflects its pioneering role in cannabis legalization, though advocates continue to push for automatic expungement.

Eligible Offenses

Application Process

Washington allows vacation (the state's term for expungement) of certain cannabis misdemeanor convictions. SB 5605 (2019) simplified the process for vacating cannabis convictions. Individuals must petition the court.

Key Facts

1SB 5605 (2019) simplified vacation of cannabis misdemeanor convictions.
2Washington uses 'vacation' rather than 'expungement' for record clearing.
3Governor Inslee issued pardons for misdemeanor cannabis possession.
4The process requires petitioning the court where conviction occurred.
5Washington was among the first states to legalize recreational cannabis (2012).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I vacate a cannabis conviction in Washington?+
File a petition to vacate with the court where your conviction occurred. Under SB 5605, the process is simplified for cannabis offenses that are no longer criminal.
Did the governor offer pardons for cannabis?+
Yes. Governor Inslee issued pardons for individuals convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession. Pardons forgive the sentence but don't erase the conviction — you would still need to petition for vacation.
Is cannabis expungement automatic in Washington?+
No. Washington requires individuals to petition for vacation of their records. Advocates continue to push for automatic expungement legislation.

Related State Expungement Laws

Explore cannabis expungement laws in other states with similar programs or neighboring jurisdictions.

OR
Oregon
Automatic Expungement
CA
California
Automatic Expungement
CO
Colorado
Petition-Based Expungement
AK
Alaska
No Expungement Program

Continue Exploring

Washington Cannabis Market
Full state profile
All States
Expungement law index
Legalization Tracker
Global cannabis laws
Home Grow Laws
Cultivation by state

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis expungement laws are complex and subject to change. Washington expungement rules, eligibility criteria, and processes described here are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify current laws with official Washington state resources and consult with a qualified attorney before pursuing expungement or record clearing. Cannabismarketcap does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented.