Apply for a Cannabis License

Once LCB receives your application, a licensing specialist will contact you to review your application information, ask for details about your proposed business, and answer questions you may have about the application process. 

At the end of your interview, your licensing specialist will send you an email through DocuSign™ with electronic copies of required forms for you to fill out.  

Documents may include: 

• Operating Plans 
• Floor Plans 
• Personal/criminal history statement 
• Fingerprint cards 
• Copy of approved identification 
• Business Structure forms 
• Lease information                                                                                                               
• Purchase and sale agreements   
• Financial and source of funds statement 
• Copy of bank statements and/or tax returns 
• Affidavits  

Floor Plans 

Floor plans are used to make sure that cannabis locations meet security and licensing requirements. Architectural plans are not required, but your drawings must be to scale, show grow space dimensions, processing area, and waste area (if applicable), and the location of the following items: 

• All cameras and alarms including the coverage of the camera and the types of alarms (glass break, motion, etc.). 
• Alarmed Entrance and exit points. 
• All doors and windows (interior and exterior must show alarms). 
• Controlled access area(s) – not open to the general public. 
• Point of sale area(s). 
• Secured surveillance system. 
• Product displays/cases. 
• Keys to explain your illustrations. 
• Gate through fenced area - all gates require an alarm. 
• North arrow direction indicator. 
    

Operating Plans 

Operating plans are used to outline your location requirements and activities. 

You do not need to create your own plan. LCB has a form for you to fill out which will be sent to you during the application process. 

Related Rules 

• WAC 314-55-020 
• WAC 314-55-083 

The LCB conducts background checks to ensure applicants are qualified for a new or renewed license. The background checks include a criminal record check through the Washington State Patrol and and the Federal Bureau of Investigations database. 

The LCB will conduct a threshold review for the following types of convictions: 

Active state supervision and active federal supervision will also result in a threshold review. 

When a background check results in a threshold review the LCB will consider the nature of the offense, number of offenses, evidence of rehabilitation and information submitted by the applicant to make a determination to approve or deny the license application. More information can be found in WAC 314-55-040. 

Before a license is issued, you must provide proof of insurance. Insurance requirements include: 

• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance (limits no less than $1,000,000); 
• Issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Washington which holds a rating of A – Class VII or better; 
• The state and its employees, agents, and volunteers shall be named as additional insured on the policy; and 
• Insurance must be in the name of the applicant entity and must reference the location address of the business. 
    

Related Rules 

• WAC 314-55-082 

A final inspection occurs at the end of the application process, before LCB issues a license.  

During the final inspection, a member of our Enforcement and Education team will visit the location. Enforcement Officers and Compliance Consultants will help make sure you are correctly following laws and rules. After receiving your license, the Enforcement and Education team will be your contact for any questions or assistance you may need. Some of the items that will be checked during the inspection include: 

• The layout of the location matches the submitted floor plan. 
• There is adequate camera coverage (no blind spots in required areas). 
• The surveillance system is functioning and properly secured. 
• The premise is not connected or combined with a residence or another business. 
• Cannabis product is secure from public/customer access.

If any issues are found during the final inspection, the Enforcement Officer and/or Compliance Consultant will give you information on what needs to be corrected and return to complete the inspection at a rescheduled date. 

Your Enforcement and Education contact will also cover laws and rules related to your license. They will cover common topics you need to know to be successful. This is a great opportunity to get to know your Compliance Consultant or Enforcement Officers and ask any questions you may have. 

Once Licensing has reviewed and approved your application, your file will move forward to Finance to send a bill statement for payment on any required fees.  (see cannabis license fee and description information on our Cannabis Licensing page here). 

Once fee payments are received, your file will be sent to Customer Service to send  an approval letter. This letter will act as your 30-day cannabis license until you receive your business license with the cannabis endorsement from the Department of Revenue. 

If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision by requesting an administrative hearing in writing. You can find more information on the Board Adjudications page here. 

Reasons for denial may include: 

• Failure to meet basic licensing requirements. 
• Objection from the local authority. 
• Premise is located within 1,000 feet of a restricted entity.(WAC 314-55-050) 
• Questionable source of funds. 
• Indicators of hidden ownership. 
• Criminal history (WAC 314-55-040). 
• Misrepresentation of fact.