Washington Cannabis Regulatory Overview
On November 6, 2012, Washington voted in favor of Initiative 502 that "[t]akes marijuana out of the hands of illegal drug organizations and brings it under a tightly regulated, state-licensed system similar to that for controlling hard alcohol." On July 8, 2014, Washington began permitting adult-use cannabis sales.
Washington Cannabis License Overview
Washington issues three types of adult-use cannabis licenses: (1) marijuana producer licenses; (2) marijuana processors (encompassing cannabis products manufacturing); and (3) marijuana retailers. It should be noted that third-party testing labs must meet specified certification criteria.
Washington Cannabis Key Regulator
Washington's lead regulator for adult-use cannabis is the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Washington Cannabis Locality Options
Local communities have the ability under Washington's adult-use cannabis law to opt out of commercial cannabis activity or to impose certain reasonable regulations on adult-use cannabis activity.