Subject of Possible Rule Making: Title 314 WAC; the Washington state liquor and cannabis board (board) is considering amending WAC 314-55-050(2) to redefine how distance is measured from licensed cannabis premises to certain restricted entities, such as schools. Currently, WAC 314-55-050(2) requires this distance be measured as the shortest straight line from the property line of the proposed business location or building to the property line of restricted entities. RCW 69.50.331 requires a 1,000-foot buffer distance between a licensed cannabis premises and the perimeter of restricted entities unless a city, county, or town allows certain licensed premises to be located closer than 1,000 feet.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This change could expand the number of permissible properties around restricted entities that may help cannabis licensees find suitable locations for their businesses.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: RCW 69.50.331 allows cities and counties to enact ordinances reducing the distance between licensed cannabis businesses and restricted entities. The board will coordinate with the Washington State Association of Counties, the Association of Washington Cities, and other entities as needed, to solicit input during the rule-making process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Denise Laflamme, Policy and Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43080, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-819-0452, fax 360-704-5027, email [email protected], website lcb.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested persons can participate in the rule process through open public meetings and by submitting written comments, and are encouraged to sign up for the interested parties list (GovDelivery) at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WALCB/subscriber/new. Rule-making notices and stakeholder engagement opportunities will be emailed via GovDelivery and posted to the board website at lcb.wa.gov.