What is LCB Doing Now?

LCB Cannabis Social Equity page 
In response to addressing comments made by the community at Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force meetings, the agency created this Cannabis Social Equity page to provide various resources and the opportunity to further engage with the community. In addition to the information below, Licensing and Regulation Division Director Becky Smith presented an update the Board on LCB preparations. You may view the Jan. 12, 2022 Presentation here.  
 

What's New

• Social Equity rules finalized (Oct. 12, 2022)
  • The final rules were approved by the Board at a regular meeting on Oct. 12, 2022. The rules will become final on Nov. 12, 2022. The CR 103 was filed as WSR 22-21-058 (Versión en Español). More information is available on the LCB Recently Adopted Rules webpage.
    If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact rules@lcb.wa.gov.
     
• Contract for third-party vendor signed (Sept. 27, 2022).
  • The selected vendor to complete third party reviews for applications is Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer P.A. (QPWB). They identify as the largest minority and women owned law firm in the country. They have experience working with local, state, and federal agencies to develop comprehensive programs to engage minority owned contractors. In addition, the firm has a Cannabis Law Group that provides guidance on cannabis law in Illinois. QPWB is based out of Illinois, with offices across the country.
     
• Rulemaking: CR 102 approved by the LCB Board (Aug. 3, 2022).
  • Notice to Stakeholders
  • Memorandum
  • CR-12 filed as WSR 22-16-119 on August 3, 2022
  • General Rulemaking Timeline * (Versión en Español)*
  • WAC 314-55-570  Social equity in cannabis program* (Versión en Español)*

*Before the LCB may open the social equity license application window, three additional steps must be completed: 

1. The rules must become final. They were approved by the Board on Oct. 13, 2022. They will become final on Nov. 12, 2022.
2. A third party assigned this work must complete its analysis of the SECTF criteria for a Disproportionately Impacted Area (DIA) and deliver its maps/findings to the SECTF and the LCB; and
3. The third party vendor selected to review applications must be on contract and ready. The LCB selected law firm Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer P.A. and signed a contract with the vendor on Sept. 27, 2022. QPWB will review social equity applications, ensure they meet the criteria, then forward to the LCB for processing.
    

• The Department of Commerce has been working simultaneously with the LCB to create a Technical Assistance Program. The program consists of two parts –
  1. Module courses on business development, sales/marketing and capital/finance. 
  2. Mentorship – One/One personal mentorship and facilitated mentor/mentee events.

As more information becomes available, we will be updating this website.

• Local Jurisdiction Outreach
  Agency staff have reached out to local jurisdictions (towns, cites, counties) which have a ban or moratorium on cannabis businesses to share information on the work related to social equity and the effort of the Task Force. Through this open dialogue, the agency was able to gain insight on jurisdictions that may be open to lifting their restrictions in order to host a social equity license. Additionally, agency staff have begun mapping areas where businesses may potentially locate once the licensing window opens.
  Outreach to local jurisdictions with bans and moratoria
   
• Criminal History Requirement Changes
  In preparation for licensing social equity applicants, the agency is evaluating the current application process on how it can allow more flexibility and identify areas to reduce barriers. In this review, the agency took steps to amend rules related to the criminal history requirements to reduce barriers to entry into the legal cannabis market. 
  Criminal History Rule Revisions – Completed (Effective October 2, 2021)
  • Concise Explanatory Statement
  • Memorandum
  • Rules - WSR 21-18-125
  • WAC 314-55-040
     

• Community Engagement
  Within the LCB Cannabis Social Equity page, a section is provided allowing anyone to submit questions or suggestions electronically. Submissions are monitored and responded to regularly by the Licensing Division. The information collected is then included within the Frequently Asked Questions section as an additional resource to the community.
   

To learn more about the rulemaking process, including how to get involved, please check our website for important dates and information. You may also wish to sign-up for communications, future trainings and other information related to the Social Equity in Cannabis Program.