Washington's Cannabis Social Equity Program, run by the Liquor and Cannabis Board, prioritizes retailer licenses for applicants from communities harmed by cannabis prohibition. The program reissued forfeited licenses starting 2024.
Washington enacted the Cannabis Social Equity Program in 2020 (HB 2870) and expanded it in 2022 (HB 1859) and 2023 (HB 1462). The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) issues retailer licenses set aside specifically for social-equity applicants — individuals who lived in disproportionately impacted areas, were arrested or convicted of cannabis offenses, or whose family members were. The first 44 forfeited or never-issued licenses opened for application in 2023; LCB began awarding them in 2024-25. Seattle is a key target market because of its zoning capacity. The program offers technical assistance grants up to $250,000 and reduced fees. Licensees must operate within five years; transfer restrictions prevent immediate flip.
Misrepresenting equity status on application: license denial, perjury charges. Failure to operate within five years: license forfeiture. Standard LCB compliance violations apply post-licensure.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
See how Seattle's social equity licensing rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.