SB 5758 would modify local cannabis business
licensing distance requirements for social equity license holders to 250 feet.
Originally the bill contained several new business siting preemptions; however those were amended out. The bill is now focused on declaring that a city cannot restrict social equity cannabis license holders from opening a business more than 250 feet from an existing cannabis business.
Notably, this bill applies solely to license holders outlined in RCW 69.50.335(1), also known as social equity licenses. These retailer and processor licenses may only be issued in areas where they are not prohibited by local ordinance. In 2023, AWC consistently advocated to ensure cities with moratoriums or bans in place do not see any new licenses issued in their city under this new program.
SB 5758 passed out of the Senate 31-17 on March 12, was heard in its House committee on March 19, and will be voted on in committee on March 26.
Dates to remember
SB 5758 is scheduled for committee vote in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30 pm.
Bill would reduce the amount of space required between cannabis businesses and other public buildings
February 14, 2025
SB 5758, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), aims to modify cannabis business licensing distance requirements for social equity license holders.
As written, this bill would prohibit a city, town, or county from restricting the retail premises of a social equity cannabis licensee from locating more than 250 feet from the premises of any other cannabis retail operations.
Currently, cannabis businesses cannot be located with 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, parks, daycares, transit centers, libraries, etc. This bill also proposes allowing specifically cannabis social equity licensees to locate within 500 feet of those locations (except for schools and playgrounds). Additionally, local governments could decide to further reduce that buffer through local ordinance.
Notably, other cannabis license holders (not part of the social equity plan) would still be required to maintain the current 1,000 feet threshold. The bill still allows cities the existing ability to object to new cannabis facilities and strengthens local governments’ ability to object based on factors such as chronic illegal activity, crime rates, and safety risks.
Dates to remember
SB 5758 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on Tuesday, February 18 at 10:30 am.
SB 5758 is scheduled for committee vote in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on Friday, February 21 at 8 am.