New rules in store for Washington state cannabis businesses

New rules in Washington state will allow existing marijuana retail license holders to increase their number of sales outlets to five from three.

According to the Denver Post, that and other changes to the state’s medical and recreational cannabis program result from Gov. Jay Inslee signing an omnibus bill, Senate Bill 5131.

The Post reported that under the new regulations:

• Businesses that are approved for a license but fail to open a store within two years may have to surrender their permits.
• The state regulator must receive consent from a tribe associated with the land for a license to be granted to grow on tribal land.
• Firms can undertake trademark and licensing agreements as well as protect trade secrets.
• Dispensary or retail workers must be 21 or older.
• Dispensaries are required to ensure advertising doesn’t appeal to children.
• Recreational home growing remains illegal, but the state must study the possibility.

The regulations will go into effect July 23, 2017.