Washington state will be adding dozens more retail cannabis shops to the existing Adult-Use Market over the next decade, after the governor of the state signed the bill into law.
Signed by Democratic Governor. Jay Inslee wants to strengthen the state’s marijuana legalization program by enhancing the equity aspect.
According to the terms of this new law, between January 1, 2020 and July 31, 2032 the Liquor and Cannabis Board will “issue up 52 licenses for cannabis retailers” to those who are eligible under the Social Equity Program.
Axios reports that this represents “almost 10% more than the number of pot shops currently licensed in California, which is capped at just 556 since 2016.
The bill’s summary states that a person who is eligible for the Social Equity Program is one who meets the following criteria: “Has at least 51 per cent ownership and controls by individuals who resided in a DIA during a time period defined by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB’s) rules, after consulting with other entities. Has at least 51 per cent ownership and controls by an individual convicted of a marijuana offense or a drug offence, or a member of
According to a press statement by Democratic legislators, the bill “waives all annual fees and reimburses current licensees of cannabis who present a social justice plan”.
Rebecca Saldana, a Democratic State Senator, said that “building pathways of flexibility and opportunity for people of colour who are disproportionately affected by the drug war is not only morally imperative but also a vital step toward a just and equal society.” We heal the wounds from the past through our action today.
Democratic legislators in Washington state that “state data reveals that Washington’s cannabis businesses are overwhelmingly white and only 4% went to Black applicants.” They also say the bill will “create a more inclusive licensing program for Black or brown business owners” in Washington.
The bill amends definitions for “disproportionately affected area,” “social equity applicant” and “social equity plan” in the program and changes the period of time for cannabis licensees who qualify for social equity grants. The bill allows for the establishment of additional retail shops over time. This gives social equity licensees greater flexibility when choosing locations, and preserves local control on zoning.
Inslee announced last week that he would not run for a fourth term as governor in the next election. He said that he plans to call a special session of lawmakers that will concentrate on “passing new drug possession laws.”
Special session scheduled on May 16
According to Washington radio station KUOW , the regular session of the Washington legislature ended on the 23rd April before the lawmakers were able pass a drug possession bill. This was necessary after “the Washington Supreme Court had struck down Washington’s felony possession drug law in 2021 and ruled it unconstitutional.”
Legislators implemented a temporary solution that classified drug possession as an infraction. This measure is known as Blake Fix and will expire this summer, according to the local station.
Inslee stated that his office and him “have met with members of all four caucuses, and I’m very confident about reaching an accord that will pass both chambers.”
“The cities and counties want a policy that is statewide and balances treatment and accountability, and I think we can create a bill bipartisan that achieves this.” The details are being worked out, but the caucus leadership shares a desire to pass legislation. Inslee stated in a Statement that Tuesday.
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