Washington Marijuana Cooperative License

What is a Marijuana Cooperative?

A marijuana cooperative is an enterprise wherein the members share the responsibilities of procuring and providing the resources needed to manufacture and process marijuana. Only the members of a marijuana cooperative are allowed to use marijuana products grown or produced by the cooperative. Marijuana cooperatives were originally introduced as a means to ease access to medical marijuana by eligible patients and designated providers in Washington.

Does Washington Issue Licenses to Marijuana Cooperatives?

Yes. Marijuana cooperatives in Washington State must be registered with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) to legally operate in the state. Marijuana cooperatives in Washington were originally established for medical marijuana patients and designated providers under RCW 69.51A.250. Washington Administrative Code sections WAC 314-55-410, WAC 314-55-415, WAC 314-55-417, and WAC 314-55-430 cover the regulations governing the operational requirements for a marijuana cooperative.

According to Washington marijuana statutes, a marijuana cooperative

• Is allowed to have a maximum of four members, who must each be at least 21 years.
• Must be situated in the residence of one of the members.
• Cannot be situated within one mile of a licensed retailer and within 1000 meters of a school, playground, recreational center, child care facility, or any other facility that handles minors.
• May grow up to 60 plants and possess a maximum of 72 ounces of usable marijuana at their location.
• Maintains records of the cooperative as mandated by WAC 314-55-415.
• May not retail or provide marijuana or marijuana products to non-members.

How To Apply For A Marijuana Cooperative License in Washington?

Members of marijuana cooperatives in Washington must register their cooperatives with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). To register a marijuana cooperative with the WSLCB, the primary contact of the cooperative must complete the Application To Register Cooperative form, scan, and email it to the WSLCB. For a marijuana cooperative to be eligible for registration, its members must adhere to the requirements of Section 69.51A.250 of the Revised Code of Washington and Sections 314-55 (410-430) of the Washington Administrative Code. These include regulations on record keeping and reporting, the purchase of marijuana from licensed producers, and requirements for the extraction of concentrate (resin) from marijuana.

How Much Does A Marijuana Cooperative License Cost in Washington?

There is no fee prescribed for registering a marijuana cooperative with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). Members are only required to ensure that all the requirements have been met to obtain their cooperative registration as stipulated by the relevant statutes.

Can A Marijuana Cooperative Licensee Hold Other Marijuana Licenses In Washington?

There are no statutes or regulations that explicitly prohibit a member of a marijuana cooperative from holding other marijuana business licenses in Washington.