As the state grapples with the question of how to improve social equity in the cannabis industry, the House is considering a bill that would create a technical assistance program for cannabis license holders who meet certain social equity criteria and
would modify the terms determining who is eligible for a social equity license.
HB 1443, sponsored by Representative Melanie Morgan (D–Parkland), creates a pilot program under the Department of Commerce to provide technical assistance to licensed cannabis retailers who meet social equity applicant criteria.
The $150,000 pilot program provides technical assistance for infrastructure projects, technology upgrades, incubator and mentorship programs, and supplies. Grant recipients would have twelve months to utilize the funds. The pilot program would launch
in early August 2021.
The bill also updates who can apply for a social equity cannabis license, including a new qualifying factor for individuals with a drug offense conviction or a family member with a drug offense conviction. Additionally, an applicant must have lived in
a disproportionately impacted area for five years between 1975 and 2015 to be eligible for a social equity license. To better define “disproportionately impacted area,” the bill directs the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to consult with
advocates and other commissions to refine the definition.
Finally, HB 1443 expands the scope of the Social Equity Task Force. The Task Force was originally formed to provide recommendations to the LCB on issuing existing cannabis licenses. Under the bill, the Task Force will provide recommendations
to the LCB on a range of topics including the social equity impact of:
- Altering residential cannabis agriculture regulations;
- Removing nonviolent cannabis-related felonies and misdemeanors from obtaining a cannabis license; and
- Reducing or ending the funding directed to the Washington State Patrol Drug Enforcement Task Force and redirecting funds to a Cannabis Social Equity Program.
The bill also extends the due date for the Task Force’s recommendations to January 10, 2022.
HB 1443 passed through the House Commerce & Gaming Committee on February 12 and now awaits action on the House floor.