2870 Applicant Resources

This page is intended to provide information for applicants who applied for the Cannabis Social Equity Program in 2023 under House Bill 2870. If you have any questions, please email LicensingSocialEquity@LCB.WA.gov.  

Fiscal YearTotal Licensed
FY 7/23 - 6/24 3
FY 7/24 - 6/256
FY 7/25 - 6/262

Mobility Option Available Jan. 1, 2026

If you were a successful applicant under House Bill 2870, you may move your license to a different county beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Here are some considerations before moving your license, according to WAC 314–55–570(8)(d): 

  1. The qualifying licensee has not secured a location in the initial county where their license is allocated; and 
  2. Any relocation into a different county requires the qualifying social equity licensee to have received an application score which exceeds the lowest score awarded for successful applicants in the desired county. 

View the list of lowest scores awarded by county here. 

  1. Title Certificate Holders are not eligible for the mobility option. Since TCH only needed to qualify but not score for the program, there is no score to determine if they are eligible to move into another jurisdiction. 

Location Restrictions and Requirements 

LCB cannot issue a new cannabis license if the proposed business is within 1,000 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center or facility, childcare center, public park, public transit center, library, or any game arcade (where admission is not restricted to people age 21 and over). See WAC 314-55-050 for further information. 

  • The 1,000 foot distance is measured as a straight line from the property line of the proposed business location to the property line of the restricted location. The LCB uses geographic information system (GIS) mapping to measure these distances.
  • Local jurisdictions may reduce the buffer zone to 100 feet of the locations listed above (except for elementary schools, secondary schools and playgrounds) by passing an ordinance. Contact the city or county authority directly for information on each jurisdiction’s allowances. 

Check restricted locations here

Cannabis Restricted Entity Map

The proposed location must be accessible to law enforcement and cannot be connected to a residence, located on federal land, located within another business, or located within the exterior boundaries of a federally recognized Tribe without written consent of the Tribe. 

Below are some of the websites used by the LCB to verify restricted locations: 

Public Schools: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

Private Schools: The Washington State Board of Education

Child Care Centers: Department of Children, Youth & Families

Public Parks:  Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 

Local Laws and Rules 

Each city or county has their own laws and rules related to zoning, permitting, and licensing. Contact them directly for information. 

Related Rules