5080 Applicant Resources
This page is intended to provide information for applicants who applied in 2025 under Senate Bill 5080. If you have any questions, please email LicensingSocialEquity@LCB.WA.gov.
If you have been selected to move forward with the Social Equity Licensing process, you will need to register your business with the Secretary of State through Business Licensing Services. You do not need to have your location determined.
Watch the Licensing Process Overview educational video for more information on the licensing process.
Grant Funding
Grant funding is issued through the Department of Commerce. See their Cannabis Social Equity Program - Startup Washington website for more information.
Watch the educational video series from the Cannabis Social Equity Program to help you learn about the application process for the Cannabis Social Equity Program under Senate Bill 5080.
If you have any questions on this video or the program, please contact us at LicensingSocialEquity@lcb.wa.gov
Cannabis Social Equity Program
This video reviews what the Cannabis Social Equity Program is, program goals and review a brief history on the Cannabis Social Equity Program.
Cannabis Social Equity Licensing Process Overview
This video reviews the licensing process for successful Cannabis Social Equity applicants. Registrants who meet the qualifications for the program and receive the highest scores will proceed with the licensing process.
Cannabis Social Equity Program Location and Funding
This video reviews important considerations when choosing a location and securing funding for your cannabis business.
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
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:
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
- WAC 314-55-010
- WAC 314-55-015