Last week the Washington State Liquor Control Board – the agency responsible for creating the rules for recreational marijuana – released their proposed regulations for the new industry.
The most significant takeaway from the 46-page document might be where the board remained silent: how many marijuana business licenses will be given out, how applicants will be narrowed down if there is more demand than supply, and how large grow operations will be permitted by law.
Here are the key components of the proposed rules:
- All marijuana businesses would be required to have security systems, 24-hour
video surveillance and insurance. They would be prohibited from advertising their wares or displaying them prominently from their storefront.
- Marijuana extract or oil would be prohibited, except already infused into a product.
- All marijuana products sold at a state-licensed store would have a Washington State Marijuana Logo (right) denoting their legal status.>Marijuana would only be allowed to be grown in an enclosed location, such as indoors or in a greenhouse.
- License applicants with less than two misdemeanors in the last three years would still be eligible. Anyone with a felony in the last ten years would be automatically disqualified.
The Liquor Control Board will take the next several months to solicit feedback from stakeholders and members of the public before adopting their final rules for the industry during midsummer. Their ultimate goal will be to begin issuing licenses by the end of the year.