Washington State Launches New Social Equity Cannabis Licensing Period
By Jerrico Perez
Jun 9, 2025
The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is launching a 30-day registration period for new cannabis retail license applications as part of its Social Equity in Cannabis Program. The registration window is from June 2 to July 1, 2025, and provides a major opportunity for individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition to participate in Washington’s regulated market by securing a limited number of retail licenses in the state.
The application process reflects recent updates to WAC 314-55-570, which broaden applicant eligibility and streamline the process.
How to Know If You Qualify
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Own at least 51% of the business, and
- Meet two out of four social equity criteria below:
- Lived in a “Disproportionately impacted area” (DIA) in Washington for a minimum of five years anytime between 1980 and 2010. LCD has identified DIAs using a mapping program.
- Have been arrested or convicted of a cannabis offense
- Had a household income below the state median in the year prior
- Be socially or economically disadvantaged based on the criteria of the Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE).
Washington State Cannabis Social Equity Licensing Round Now Open
A location for your business or Business Licensing Service (BLS) license is not necessary at the time of applying, but you will need to register via LCB’s online portal. Only cannabis retail licenses are available through the program at this time, and qualifying as a social equity applicant does not guarantee you will receive a Social Equity license.
The state will use a scoring rubric to assess each applicant’s qualifying credentials. It will be essential to gather documentation that clearly demonstrates eligibility, such as criminal justice records, residency, and income verification. LCB will invite the strongest applicants to move forward with the licensing process. If you’re selected, you’ll need to complete the licensing process through the LCB, which will include paying licensing fees and meeting standard cannabis business requirements.
Questions? Vicente LLP Can Help
Use the helpful LCB Social Equity FAQ page to stay informed about updates. This website includes key information about eligibility, documentation requirements, and the licensing process.
If you need any support with documentation, ownership structures, or eligibility strategy, the cannabis licensing team at Vicente LLP is ready to assist. We have successfully guided our clients nationally into highly competitive cannabis markets and possess a strong understanding of equity-driven licensing frameworks.
Whether you’re preparing your Washington cannabis social equity license application or are interested in opportunities in other jurisdictions, we’re ready to help you succeed. Contact Vicente partner Jerrico Perez at j.perez@vicentellp.com to schedule a free consultation!