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Cannabis License Types

Portal status information is found here. 

More information and user guides are available on the Portal Resources page.

LCB is currently not accepting new license applications for cannabis retailers, producers or processors except under the Social Equity Program.

For more information, please visit our Social Equity page.  

Applications and forms for cannabis licenses can be found through Business Licensing Services’ (BLS) website and on the LCB portal. View LCB’s Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.  

Types of Cannabis Licenses

Cannabis Research

A cannabis research endorsement allows the licensee to produce, process, and possess cannabis for the limited research purposes provided in RCW 69.50.372. 

  • A cannabis research endorsement allows the licensee to produce, process, and possess cannabis for the limited research purposes listed in RCW 69.50.372.  
  • The application is fee $250.  
  • The application must be submitted through Business Licensing Services (BLS). Information for this license type can be found on the BLS website.  
  • The applicant will get a letter from LCB directing them to submit additional application materials directly to the designated scientific reviewer. If the scientific reviewer does not approve the proposed research, the application will be withdrawn and there will be no refund. Labs that are certified to perform quality assurance testing on cannabis and cannabis products by LCB may apply for a research license.  
  • Facilities where the research is conducted must be completely separate and distinct from other cannabis businesses, except actively licensed cannabis producer/processor licensees, and in those instances, a shared entrance and/or exit is allowed, however, all cannabis grown or possessed must be for research purposes. 
Related Laws and Rules 
Cannabis Transportation

A cannabis transporter license allows the licensee to transport or deliver cannabis products between licensed cannabis businesses within Washington State.  

  • The application is fee $250. 
  • The application must be submitted via Business Licensing Services (BLS). Information for this license type can be found on the BLS website. 
  • The licensed facilities must be 1,000 feet from restricted entities. 
  • The business may not be located inside of another business (including cannabis) or a residence. 
  • The applicant must submit a copy of their approved Common Carrier permit issued by the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to LCB. All vehicles and trailers must also be permitted by UTC as common carriers. 
  • Must provide proof of commercial general liability and product liability insurance to the LCB. 
  • Must provide proof of their right to the vehicle used for transporting (title, registration, lease, etc.) to the LCB. 
  • A final inspection and briefing are required to be scheduled and conducted by the LCB. 
  • A Cannabis Alteration Request (found on the LCB portal submitted to add a vehicle). 
  • Any vehicle transporting cannabis or cannabis products must travel directly from the shipping licensee to the receiving licensee. They must not make any unnecessary stops in between, except to other facilities receiving product. Pick up and delivery must happen within 48 hours.  
  • Ownership changes require either an Assumption Application or Change in Governing Persons, both of which are available through BLS. More information can be found on the BLS website.  
  • Moving a business requires a Change of Location application. The application must be submitted to BLS. Information is found on the BLS website.  
  • Investing additional funds requires the submission of a Cannabis Additional Funding application to LCB, which can be found on the LCB portal. 
Cannabis Retailer License

LCB is currently not accepting new license applications for cannabis retailers except under the Social Equity Program.

For more information, please visit our Social Equity page.

A cannabis retailer license allows the licensee to sell only useable cannabis products, cannabis paraphernalia, and lockable boxes for storing cannabis in retail stores to people at least 21 years old, except as allowed for persons under 21 years old consistent with Washington laws and rules.  

Related Laws and Rules 
Cannabis Producer/Processor

LCB is currently not accepting new license applications for cannabis producers or processors except under the Social Equity Program.

For more information, please visit our Social Equity page.

Cannabis Producer Tiers 1 - 3 

The cannabis producer license allows the licensee to produce, harvest, trim, dry, cure, and package cannabis into lots for sale at wholesale to cannabis processor licensees and to other cannabis producer licensees. They may also produce and sell:  

  • Cannabis plants, seed, and plant tissue culture to other cannabis producer licensees.  
  • Immature cannabis plants or clones and cannabis seeds to members of a registered cooperative, qualifying patients, or designated providers.  
  • Immature cannabis plants or clones and cannabis seeds to a licensed cannabis researcher.  
Related Laws and Rules  

Cannabis Processor 

The cannabis processor license allows the licensee to process, dry, cure, package, and label usable cannabis, cannabis concentrates, and cannabis-infused products for sale at wholesale to cannabis processors and cannabis retailers.  

Related Laws and Rules