Cannabis Regulations in Seattle, WA (2026)
2 verified cannabis regulations for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dispensary Zoning
SMC 23.42.058 bans major cannabis activity, production, processing, or retail sale, in neighborhood residential and multifamily zones, NC1, Pioneer Square Mixed, the International District zones, both Downtown Harborfront zones, Pike Market Mixed, and eight historic and special review districts. Elsewhere, a state-licensed operator may locate subject to a 1,000-foot buffer from schools and playgrounds.
Seattle Cannabis Zoning and Buffer Rules
Significant RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 23.42.058
B.Major cannabis activity is prohibited in the following zones and districts:1.Neighborhood residential zones;2.Multifamily zones;3.Neighborhood Commercial 1 (NC1) zones;4.Pioneer Square Mixed (PSM);5.International District Mixed (IDM);6.International District Residential (IDR);7.Downtown Harborfront 1 (DH1);8.Downtown Harborfront 2 (DH2);9.Pike Market Mixed (PMM); ... C.Major cannabis activity...
Buffer Zones
Washington RCW 69.50.331 requires cannabis retailers to sit at least 1,000 feet from elementary and secondary schools, playgrounds, parks, libraries, and child-care centers. Seattle SMC 23.42 aligns with the state buffer.
1,000-Foot Buffer From Schools Required for Cannabis Retail
Heavy RestrictionsRCW 69.50.331(8) — Cannabis licensing distance from schools and parks
RCW 69.50.331(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...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Cannabis Regulations in King County →