Washington Statewide Rule
Washington Cannabis Retailer Licensing and Buffer Requirements
Key Facts
- Licensing Authority
- LCB
- School Buffer
- 1,000 feet
- Reducible Buffers
- Can drop to 100 feet
- Statute
- RCW 69.50.331
Summary
Washington's Liquor and Cannabis Board licenses cannabis retailers and imposes statewide 1,000-foot buffers from schools and other sensitive uses, which local governments may reduce but not eliminate.
(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.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Washington city ban cannabis dispensaries entirely?
How close can a Washington dispensary be to a school?
Sources
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