Bill > SB5758

This bill modifies existing cannabis licensing regulations in Washington State, primarily focusing on distance requirements and social equity provisions. The bill maintains existing restrictions on cannabis license locations, such as prohibiting licenses within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, and other sensitive locations, but introduces a new provision allowing cities, towns, and counties to permit licensing within 100-1,000 feet of such locations under certain conditions. A notable new provision prevents local governments from requiring retail cannabis premises to be more than 250 feet from other cannabis retail locations. The bill also encourages, but does not mandate, cannabis licensees to submit social equity plans after January 1, 2024, offering a financial incentive of reimbursing the annual license renewal fee for licensees who submit such plans. Additionally, the bill retains existing provisions allowing local governments to object to cannabis license applications based on factors like chronic illegal activity and maintains the board's discretion in granting or denying licenses. The legislation aims to support social equity in the cannabis industry while providing local governments some flexibility in regulating cannabis business locations.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5758&Year=2025&Initiative=false