CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE updating definitions in the Seattle Municipal Code related to cannabis businesses to align with state law; and amending Section 6.500.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, cannabis businesses must be licensed by both the City and the State, and City laws and regulations of cannabis businesses must be consistent with State law; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, the State passed legislation, further amended in 2021, 2022, and 2023, to establish a Social Equity in Cannabis program. The purpose of this program is to provide business opportunities to cannabis license applicants who were disproportionately impacted by the unequal enforcement of cannabis prohibition laws. The program authorizes the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to issue cannabis licenses to applicants who meet certain social equity criteria established by State law and further clarified by rules promulgated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle established its own local Social Equity in Cannabis program, aligned with the State's Social Equity in Cannabis program, that waives cannabis license fees for those granted a social equity cannabis license under the State's program. These waived fees will give those who meet social equity criteria the greatest chances of success in entering the legal cannabis industry in Seattle; and
WHEREAS, the State adopted two bills during the 2023 legislative session (Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bills 5080 and 5367) that impact the City's regulation of cannabis businesses. As a result of these two bills, the City's cannabis code in Chapter 6.500 of the Seattle Municipal Code is now out of alignment with state law; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 6.500.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 126664, is amended as follows:
6.500.020 Defini...
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