WASHINGTON CANNABIS PROGRAM
WASHINGTON
Overview:
The state of Washington legalized both adult-use and medical cannabis. Persons 21 years and older may purchase and possess cannabis, while registered patients have access to medical cannabis. Access to cannabis is through state licensed businesses that are allowed to grow, manufacture and sell cannabis.
Washington legalized medical cannabis in 1998, through a Ballot, Initiative 692, which provided a legal way for qualifying patients in the state to access and utilize medical cannabis as a form of treatment for their ailment. In 2012, Washington legalized medical cannabis through a Ballot, Initiative 502, which provided a legal system and access to cannabis for persons 21 years and older.
Hemp
Yes
Medical Marijuana
Yes
Adult-Use Marijuana
Yes
When to Apply
Closed
News
WASHINGTON MARIJUANA BUSINESS LICENSES
Washington Cannabis Producer (Cultivation) – permits the licensee to produce, harvest, trim, cure, dry, and package cannabis into lots for sale to licensed cannabis processors and other cannabis producer licensees. The Washington cannabis producer license also authorizes the licensee to produce and sell:
- Cannabis seeds, plants, and plant tissue cultures to licensed cannabis producers
- Immature cannabis plants and cannabis seeds to licensed cannabis researchers, qualifying medical marijuana patients, and members of registered cooperatives.
Washington’s cannabis producer licenses are separated into three categories, each with specific maximum square footage of field on which cannabis cultivation may be conducted:
- Tier 1 – up to a 2,000-square feet area
- Tier 2 – up to a 10,000-square feet area
- Tier 3 – up to a 30,000-square feet area
Washington Cannabis Processor – authorizes the licensee to process, cure, dry, package, and label cannabis concentrates, usable cannabis, and cannabis-infused products for sale at wholesale to cannabis retailers and other cannabis processors.
Washington Cannabis Transporter – The cannabis transporter license allows the licensee to physically deliver or transport cannabis, cannabis-infused products, and cannabis concentrates between licensed cannabis establishments within Washington State.
Washington Cannabis Retail – permits the licensee to sell only usable cannabis, cannabis paraphernalia, cannabis-infused products, cannabis concentrates, and lockable boxes to store marijuana in retail outlets to anyone aged 21 and older.
HOW TO START A MARIJUANA BUSINESS IN WASHINGTON
To operate a marijuana business in Washington, you will need the following plans:
- Security Plan
- Environmental Impact Plan
- Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan
- Business Plan
- Financial Plan
- Community Benefits Plan
- Research Plan
- Cultivation, Manufacturing and/or Dispensing Plan
- Labor Compliance Plan
- Staffing and Training Plan
Schedule for a complimentary 15-min consult with our licensing/application expert to learn more about how we may be able to assist you.
Program Timeline:
1998 – Washington legalized medical cannabis
2012 – Washington legalized adult-use cannabis
2014 – First Washington cannabis business opened for adult-use cannabis sales
March 1, 2023 – Washington opens application process to reissue 44 retail licenses to qualified applicants
March 30, 2023 – Washington application process closes
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CONTACT US
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Owner, Firefly Dispensaries in Pennsylvania."Working with Sara was a pleasure. We don’t know how we would have gotten through the application process without her."
Arizona Vertically Integrated Facility Owner