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Cannabis Social Equity Program Registration Window Opens Next Monday, June 2
There is less than a week until the opening of the registration window for the Cannabis Social Equity Program. The Cannabis Social Equity Program is intended to provide opportunities to those most impacted by the War on Drugs and promote access to the legal cannabis market in Washington. Only cannabis retail licenses are available through the program at this time.
Registration will be opening next Monday, June 2, 2025, through July 1, 2025. This window will be open for 30 calendar days.
Preparing for Registration
The application process for the Cannabis Social Equity Program has changed. The first step in this process will be to register through LCB’s online Portal, which will ask for some basic identifying information. Registration does not guarantee a license.
To prepare for the registration window opening next week, it is important to begin gathering documents that verify you meet two of the four qualifications listed below. Check out our educational video series for more information about the registration and application process, types of documentation, and more.
Do not apply with the Department of Revenue for Business Licensing Services until you are notified by the LCB for approval.
Social Equity Program Qualifications
To qualify for the Social Equity Program, an applicant must have at least 51 percent ownership by one or more individuals who meet at least two of the following qualifications:
- Lived in a disproportionately impacted area in Washington state for a minimum of five years between 1980 and 2010;
- Has been arrested or convicted of a cannabis offense or has a family member who has been arrested or convicted of a cannabis offense;
- Had a household income that was less than the median household income within the state of Washington as calculated by the United States census bureau; or
- Is both a socially and economically disadvantaged individual as defined by the office of minority and women's business enterprises under chapter 39.19 RCW.
Qualifying for the Social Equity Program also requires a high score and does not guarantee you will receive a cannabis retail license. The Social Equity section of LCB’s website provides the most up to date information on the program.
For the most recent updates on the Cannabis Social Equity Program, please visit the LCB website. You can also follow the Social Equity blog and LCB on Bluesky Social.
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