The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) members has withdrawn a proposal to shrink the buffer zones separating cannabis stores from schools, libraries, daycares, and other sensitive public places.

At the LCB meeting August 13, board members voted to pull back the proposed change to how distance is measured in WAC 314.55.050 (2). That rule prohibits issuance of a cannabis retail license to a lot within 1,000 feet of certain sites, "measured as the shortest straight line distance” between property lines. Cities may shrink this buffer zone to 100 feet by ordinance. The proposed WAC change would have allowed the distance measurement to follow other routing, such as by walking paths. The effect would have been to shrink the real-world buffer zones.

AWC and member cities opposed the proposal and provided written feedback during LCB’s open public comment period. Thanks to the cities of Bellevue and Spokane Valley for providing comments, which is an important aspect of ensuring cities’ perspectives are heard during the policymaking process.

Proposed LCB rule change may trim back cannabis store buffer zones

June 14, 2025

The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has proposed a rule change that could shrink the buffer zones between cannabis stores and sites such as schools, parks, and libraries.

Under RCW 69.50.331, licensed cannabis retailers cannot be within 1,000 feet of the property perimeter of an elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center or facility, child care center, public park, public transit center, library, or all-ages arcade. Cities have authority to shrink that buffer down to 100 feet by enacting an ordinance.

The proposed change to WAC 314.55.050 would not change the distances in those buffer zones, but would alter how they are measured. Under current rule, the buffer zones are measured as distance radius from the property lines of the restricted places. The change contemplates changing that measurement to be of the path of travel, which could reduce the effective size of the buffer zone if the sidewalk, road, or path to access a restricted site took an indirect route. The LCB memorandum explaining the proposal also notes that Montana measures distances from entrance points, not lot lines.

Cities can provide input into this proposed change by contacting LCB by July 4:

• Email: rules@lcb.wa.gov
• Fax: 360-704-5027
• Mail: Rules Coordinator, Liquor and Cannabis Board, P.O. Box 43080, Olympia, WA 98504