Washington Cannabis Retailer Licensing and Buffer Requirements

RCW 69.50.331 requires the LCB to license cannabis retailers and prohibits licensed premises within 1,000 feet of elementary or secondary schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care centers, public parks, public transit centers, libraries, and game arcades open to minors. RCW 69.50.331(8) allows cities and counties to reduce the buffer to 100 feet for parks, transit centers, libraries, and arcades, but the school and playground buffer remains at 1,000 feet. Cities may impose additional zoning restrictions or ban retailers entirely under home rule, but cannot license additional retailers beyond the LCB allotment.

Operating without an LCB license is a Class C felony under RCW 69.50.401. Licensed retailers violating buffer or location requirements face license suspension, revocation, and civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.