Dear Friends,

 
Today, I read a news article about considering social equity licenses for people impacted by “war on drugs” to get cannabis shop licenses. I had to pause from listening to a zoom meeting sponsored by “Elected Officials to Protect America,” held at the US Department of Energy (it focused on energy and climate justice and billions/trillions of dollars of capital) to get the information below to you.
 
In 2020, the legislature created the Washington State Legislative Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis via E2SHB 2870, a bill requested by the Liquor Cannabis Board. The program created by this legislation is expected to enhance equity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. If you are interested in who did and did not support that legislation, you can view the roll call in the Bill History, which also informs you of the bill’s background and a detailed summary of the Marijuana Social Equity Program. Here is the fact sheet created June 11, 2020.
 
Apparently, the Liquor Cannabis Board (LCB) is considering a point system that would give people convicted of a drug-related crime, and did prison time, preferential treatment when applying for a retail cannabis license. According to the article, the City of Seattle will adopt the point system rules if passed by the Liquor Cannabis Board (LCB) and will set aside $1 million in grant (taxpayer) money to help the social equity applicants get started.
 
According to the timeline, the Washington State Liquor Cannabis Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed social equity licensing rules September 14, which is also the date when the formal comment period ends. You can inquire at this link if you are interested, or to receive notifications by email, you can register your email with their GovDelivery service. To make public comments, your best and safest method is to send them to [email protected].
 
In Washington State, local governments have control over whether to allow marijuana retail stores to operate within their jurisdictions (which Pierce County does allow). The 2020 law makes social equity considerations a part of the state’s licensing process. The Pierce County Council adopted social equity to be included in its goals and policies. While the subject of adopting the potentially proposed rules by your Pierce County Council has not been discussed, I would appreciate getting your feedback (pro/con) about the point system and criteria being considered by the LCB to have for possibly needed future reference.
 
Grateful for you!