Spokane allows licensed cannabis retailers only in commercial and industrial zones, at least 1,000 feet from schools, playgrounds, child care, libraries, and public parks per RCW 69.50.331 and SMC 17C.190.
Following I-502 and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board licensing framework, Spokane regulates cannabis retail, processing, and production locations through the zoning code. Retail stores are permitted in General Commercial (GC), Community Business (CB), and certain industrial zones under SMC 17C.190. State law RCW 69.50.331 requires a minimum 1,000-foot buffer from public and private schools, playgrounds, child care centers, public transit centers, libraries, public parks, and game arcades; Spokane adopts this buffer without reduction, though cities may reduce to 100 feet by ordinance (Spokane has not done so for all sensitive uses). Retailers must hold a state cannabis retailer license and a city business license. Hours are limited to 8 AM to midnight per state law. Signage is restricted under WAC 314-55-155 to limit attraction to minors. Processing and production facilities face odor-mitigation requirements to comply with nuisance standards. Local moratoria expired; new applications proceed through licensing with zoning review.
Operating without proper zoning: $500+ per day; state license revocation possible. Violation of buffers: denial of license.
See how Spokane's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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