How Implementation for Recreational Marijuana is Working in Washington State

Background:  Washington voters approved Initiative 502 in November 2012 setting up a legal system to tax and regulate marijuana for recreational use.  Cities and counties were given authority to pass additional zoning regulations.  Cities have final authority granting licensing for marijuana businesses, following state approval.

Project:  The Center collected data on the 75 most populous cities in Washington to examine how local governments have handled I-502 implementation legislatively.

Definitions:

ZONED:  City council passed legislation zoning areas where marijuana businesses could apply or updated the Municipal Code recognizing recreational marijuana.

MORATORIUM: City council passed legislation putting a hold on accepting marijuana licenses.  These ranged from 6-12 months.

BANNED:  City passes legislation banning marijuana businesses until the drug is approved federally or officials have threatened to ban.

NO ACTION:  Cities took no legislative action, will treat marijuana businesses like any other business or simply expands medical marijuana laws to recreational.  

Key Findings:

• 45% of surveyed cities have implemented moratoriums on accepting any marijuana related business licenses.
• At least 1.6 million Washington residents will be impacted by local moratoriums or bans.
• There are very few cities that Zoned or chose No Action in southern Washington.
• 4 cities have banned marijuana business all together.