Spokane, WA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- State Buffer
- 1,000 ft schools/parks
- Zones
- GC, CB, Industrial
- Hours
- 8 AM to midnight
- Code
- SMC 17C.190
- State Law
- RCW 69.50.331
Summary
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.
(8)(a) Except as provided in (b) through (e) of this subsection, the board may not issue a license for any premises within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center or facility, child care center, public park, public transit center, or library, or any game arcade admission to which is not restricted to persons aged 21 years or older.
(b) A city, county, or town may permit the licensing of premises within 1,000 feet but not less than 100 feet of the facilities described in (a) of this subsection, except elementary schools, secondary schools, and playgrounds, by enacting an ordinance authorizing such distance reduction, provided that such distance reduction will not negatively impact the jurisdiction's civil regulatory enforcement, criminal law enforcement interests, public safety, or public health.
(9) A city, town, or county may adopt an ordinance prohibiting a cannabis producer or cannabis processor from operating or locating a business within areas zoned primarily for residential use or rural use with a minimum lot size of five acres or smaller.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Operating without proper zoning: $500+ per day; state license revocation possible. Violation of buffers: denial of license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cannabis shop open next to a Spokane park?
Can Spokane ban dispensaries?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane
Compare Spokane to another location·View the Washington cannabis regulations overview
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