Bill > HB2022

This bill seeks to promote social equity in Washington's cannabis industry. It does this by: 1) Requiring the Liquor and Cannabis Board to make available 38 new cannabis retailer licenses and 25 new producer and/or processor licenses per year from 2022 through 2029 specifically for applicants who qualify as "social equity applicants." These are defined as individuals who have resided in disproportionately impacted areas, been harmed by the war on drugs, or have a personal or family history with cannabis-related offenses. 2) Placing a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new cannabis licenses to non-social equity applicants from the effective date of the bill through 2029, with a requirement that at least 50% of new licenses thereafter be issued to social equity applicants. 3) Amending the cannabis licensing laws to provide for the waiver of application fees and transfer/sale restrictions for social equity licensees. 4) Establishing a cannabis social equity grant, low-interest loan, and technical assistance program administered by the Department of Commerce to support social equity applicants and licensees. The bill aims to address historical inequities in the cannabis industry and expand participation by individuals and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.