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Cannabis Social Equity Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When can I apply for a Cannabis Social Equity License? 

A: The registration window for Cannabis Social Equity licenses is now closed. This window was open for 30 days, and closed 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. 

Q: If I hold a cannabis producer or processor license, can I apply for a Social Equity retail license?

A: No, currently licensed producers and processors cannot apply for a retailer license including partial ownership or any other financial interest. See RCW 69.50.328.

Q: If I hold a cannabis retail license, can I apply for a Social Equity producer or processor license?

A: No, A currently licensed retailer cannot apply for a producer or processor license including partial ownership or any other financial interest. See RCW 69.50.328.

Pending Social Equity Applicants (SB 5080)

Q: How can I find my rubric score and documentation I submitted to Alta Point Consulting?

You can request a copy of your application, including your final score, by submitting a Public Records Request. 

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: How do I find my rubric score?

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 case/registration # are available on the Frequently Requested Lists page.

Q: I received my selected letter, now what do I do?

A:  Here are key steps to begin the cannabis licensing process:

  1. Finalize your business structure (the social equity applicant(s) that qualified for the application cannot be changed and must be on the entity).
  2. Register your business with the Secretary of State
    1. Please note: If your business is a sole proprietorship or general partnership, registration is not required.
  3. Apply for a business license with the Department of Revenue. At this time you will have to pay application and processing fees. 
    1. Please note: Under State endorsement section you will need to click Social Equity Cannabis Retailer. 
Q: Where can I locate my license?

A: SB 5080 allots to move anywhere in WA as long as approved by County, City, or town (RCW: 69.50.335 (1)(e)(i)). 

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.