{"id":286791,"date":"2019-10-17T10:41:41","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T15:41:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/opening-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-washington.html"},"modified":"2023-09-29T13:52:49","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T18:52:49","slug":"opening-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-washington","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/opening-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-washington.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Washington"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Washington<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Medical marijuana has been legal in Washington state since 1998. In 2012, Washington became the first state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. The legalization of recreational cannabis caused the cannabis market to boom. As a result, entrepreneurs have opened successful startup businesses and cannabis sales have skyrocketed.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

While most businesses come with risks, the cannabis industry is particularly risky because of numerous regulations and requirements. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is the regulatory authority in the state and enforces Washington’s cannabis laws and regulations.<\/p>\r\n

If you want to start your own cannabis business, you should take the time to understand Washington’s rules and regulations. The table below outlines the relevant laws that you need to be aware of before opening a cannabis dispensary in Washington.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Relevant Laws<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Are There Different Types of Licenses Available?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

There are six types of recreational cannabis business licenses available in Washington:<\/p>\r\n

Criminal History That Might Prevent You From Getting a License<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board will do background checks, so applicants should disclose any criminal history. The WSLCB uses a point-based system<\/a> to determine which crimes bar a person from obtaining a cannabis license. The board will not issue licenses to people who are assigned eight points or higher, though there are some exceptions in the Social Equity Program<\/a>. For instance, a person with a felony conviction (12 points) will not qualify for a dispensary license.<\/p>\r\n

You can find a list of crimes that might bar an applicant from obtaining a license on the Washington State Legislature’s website<\/a>. The list includes:<\/p>\r\n

How Old Do You Need To Be To Open a Dispensary?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

You must be over 21 years<\/a> old to apply for a cannabis license.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Is There a Residency Requirement To Open a Dispensary?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

You must reside in the state of Washington for at least six months prior<\/a> to filing a license application.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Where Can Your Dispensary Be?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) section 69.50.331(8)<\/a> outlines zoning requirements and prohibits cannabis businesses from being within one thousand feet of the following facilities:<\/p>\r\n

Taxation Requirements<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

How Much Are the Application Costs To Open a Dispensary?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

You need to pay a nonrefundable $250 application fee. If approved, you pay a $1,381 license fee.<\/p>\r\n

You should also keep in mind indirect startup costs that come up when starting a business. The simple act of setting up a POS system (point of sale system) to handle marijuana sales can be very costly. Cannabis startup costs can range from $43,900 to $300,000 depending on what type of layout you choose.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Hours of Operation<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Washington state law permits cannabis businesses to operate between 8 a.m.\u201312 a.m.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Who Is Responsible for Issuing Licenses?<\/h2>\r\n

The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board<\/a> is responsible for licensing and regulating Washington’s cannabis industry. You will need to check with the board<\/a> to determine whether it is currently accepting new applications for licenses.<\/p>\r\n

Who Qualifies for a Marijuana License?<\/h2>\r\n

A license must be issued in the name of the true party of interest. Sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and corporations are among the parties that would qualify as parties of interest. Look at WAC 314-55-035<\/a> to see who qualifies.<\/p>\r\n

Application Process<\/h2>\r\n

Once you submit your marijuana license application, a marijuana investigator from WSLCB will contact you to ensure you have presented the required documents. Before the board processes the application, it needs the following information<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n