For those not familiar with the legal cannabis system, it may be difficult to know whether you are buying a legal product. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Are you buying from a licensed retailer?
There are over 500 licensed cannabis stores across the state. If you aren’t sure if a store is licensed by the LCB, you can check the map of licensed locations or look at the list of licensed stores on the website under Frequently Requested Lists. Click on Cannabis License Applicants and be sure to check column K, “Privilege Status” to see if the store is active or closed. The status of “Pending (Issued)” is also an Active status. If you are still unsure, you can call the LCB at 360-664-1600 and ask.
Tribal retail locations are currently not listed on the LCB website. If you want to know if a location is a Tribal retailer, you can call the LCB at (360) 664-1600 to check.
Also, cannabis licensees are required to post their license in a place customers can see. If you don’t see it, you can ask about it.
What about online sales?
You can still check the retailer list on the LCB website, referenced above. Stores may not legally sell cannabis online, but they can accept online pick-up orders. An order must be paid for at the store when you come to pick it up.
Legal stores may not ship products nor deliver them to you. If a website is offering shipping or home delivery, it is likely not a legal site.