Bill > HB1790

This bill proposes to expand and improve the social equity in cannabis program in Washington state. Key provisions include: - Allowing the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to issue or reissue up to 100 cannabis producer and 100 cannabis processor licenses to social equity applicants until July 1, 2032. Starting in 2023, the LCB can increase the number of cannabis retailer licenses for the social equity program every three years with legislative approval. - Establishing a process for the LCB to identify and score social equity applicants using a third-party contractor, with the LCB relying on the contractor's scores to issue licenses. - Defining "social equity applicant" and "disproportionately impacted area" to target applicants and communities most affected by the war on drugs. - Waiving annual license fees for social equity licensees through 2029. - Allowing social equity licenses to be located in any jurisdiction that permits cannabis businesses, regardless of the jurisdiction's retail license cap. This bill aims to increase participation in the cannabis industry by individuals and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.