Liquor Control Board approves Washington’s marijuana rules

Washington state has approved rules for its new legal marijuana industry.

After nearly a year of research, planning and public hearings, the three-member state Liquor Control Board adopted the rules Wednesday. The board filed the CR103 for Initiative 502, which is the final step in the rulemaking process.

“Over these last several months have put together a comprehensive system of rules which will serve as the foundation for this new industry,” said Board Chair Sharon Foster. “This has been a very open process of rule-making with public involvement each strep of the way.”

The regulations cover everything from the security and size of licensed marijuana gardens, to how many pot stores can open in cities across the state. The board says they also align with the U.S. Department of Justice’s concerns over addressing movement across state lines, traceability of marijuana from seed to sale, and access to children.

In Washington, supporters hope the sale of taxed pot to adults over 21 might bring the state tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.

The proposed rules allow up to 334 pot stores to open in Washington.

The Liquor Control Board will open a 30 day licensing window for all three license types (marijuana producer, processor and retailer) on November 18. It will also hold a series of educational seminars for applicants to navigate the licensing process.