Cannabis Social Equity Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I apply for a Cannabis Social Equity License?
A: The window for Social Equity licenses is currently not open. Registration for the Cannabis Social Equity Program will open on June 2, 2025. This window will be open for 30 days, closing July 1, 2025, at midnight.
Q: How can I stay up to date with Social Equity Announcements?
A: You can subscribe to receive notifications from the LCB via GovDelivery and follow the Social Equity Blog.
Prospective New Applicants (SB 5080)
Q: What are the rules for the Social Equity Program?
A: Rules for the next round of Cannabis Social Equity licenses went into effect on January 18, 2025. Rules can be found here: WAC 314.55.570.
Q: Does it cost money to apply for the Social Equity Program?
A: Registering for the program is free. If you are selected to move forward with the licensing process as one of the highest scoring Social Equity registrants, there will be fees due at that time.
Q: What are the steps to get a Social Equity license?
A: Review the Steps to Apply for a Social Equity License here and watch the Application Process Overview video here.
Q: Now that I’ve registered for the program, what can I do?
A: The most important thing is to start preparing documents for scoring. Review the rubric scoring tool and watch our educational videos to prepare. Alta Point Consulting will notify you via email with instructions and deadlines on providing your documentation for scoring.
Q: Who will score my registration?
A: The third-party contractor, Alta Point Consulting will review and score all registrants. Be sure to check your email regularly for information from Alta Point Consulting on submitting your documentation for scoring.
Q: Are there any changes to Social Equity process from the last window?
A: Yes, this process is different from the first application window in 2023. Please review WAC 314.55.570 for the complete rules on this round of the Cannabis Social Equity Program.
Here are some key changes to the rules and licensing application process.
Rule Changes
- Qualification requirements have changed. You must now meet 2 of the 4 Social Equity qualifications. You cannot combine qualifications with other people in your business structure to meet this requirement.
- The scoring rubric has changed. Please review the updated rubric here.
- DIA maps have changed. You can review the new maps here. Please note: qualifying areas may not be the same as the last round, so be sure to review the new maps.
Licensing Application Process Changes
- You do not have to apply to the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Services until you are selected for the Social Equity program. Anyone can register for the Social Equity Program for free.
- Choosing a location for your business is not required before registering.
Pending Social Equity Applicants (HB 2870)
Q: Can I move my license out of my current allocated jurisdiction?
A: Yes, per WAC 314.55.570; Retailer license mobility. Effective January 1, 2026, social equity applicants, who applied under chapter 236, Laws of 2020, may change the initial business location from their currently allocated local jurisdiction under the following conditions:
- (i) The qualifying licensee has not secured a location in the initial county where their license is allocated; and
- (ii) 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.
- (iii) The lowest scores awarded for successful applicants under chapter 236, Laws of 2020, by county will be posted online.
Note: Title Certificates who are reinstating their license through the Social Equity Program, cannot move out of their jurisdiction (county allotted). Title Certificate Holders must apply for an additional license, once the next window opens, if interested in having access to another county.
Read the “Social Equity License Mobility” blog for more information.
Q: How can I find my rubric score?
A: You can request a copy of your application, including your final score, by submitting a Public Records Request through the portal on our website. Scores by UBI # are available on the frequently requested list page here.
Q: How do I find out the lowest scores awarded per county?
A: You can view a document with scores for each county on the frequently requested list page here.
Current Social Equity Licensees
Q: Can I change my entity structure?
A: Yes; per WAC 314.55.570. Social Equity Licenses may not be transferred or assumed before the first year of the license being issued. After the first year of initial license approval, licenses may only be transferred or assumed by those who meet the qualifications of a social equity program applicant.
If you have question about this process, please reach out to the Social Equity team at licensingsocialequity@lcb.wa.gov.