Cannabis Regulations in King County, WA (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in King County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of King County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Dispensary Zoning

King County Code Title 21A allows state-licensed cannabis retailers, producers, and processors only in specific commercial, industrial, and rural zones in unincorporated areas. Each city sets its own zoning, and several cities ban retail sales entirely.

Cannabis Retail Zoning in Unincorporated Areas

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Buffer Zones

State law and King County Code require licensed cannabis retailers, producers, and processors to sit at least 1000 feet from schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care, public parks, public transit centers, libraries, and game arcades. Cities may reduce the buffer to 100 feet for some uses.

1000 Foot Buffer From Schools and Parks

Heavy Restrictions

RCW 69.50.331(8)-(9)

(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 o...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Cannabis Delivery Rules

Washington does not authorize recreational cannabis delivery to consumers. Customers in King County must purchase in person at licensed retailers. Only registered medical patients can use a limited cooperative model, and licensee-to-licensee transport requires LCB-approved transporter licenses.

No Recreational Cannabis Delivery in Washington

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Personal Cultivation Limits

Initiative 502 legalized adult cannabis retail in Washington but did not authorize home cultivation. King County residents may not grow recreational cannabis at home. Only state-licensed Liquor and Cannabis Board producers can cultivate, and qualifying medical patients have narrow limits.