Spokane County Cannabis – Is It Legal & Where To Buy 2024

Is Cannabis Cultivation Legal in Spokane County?

Yes. However, only licensed marijuana producers are allowed in Spokane County. This is in compliance with the Conditional Uses: Standards and Criteria of Spokane County. The license is validly issued by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and must be in accordance with all local government regulations.

The cultivation is subject to zoning regulations, business license requirements, and health and safety standards under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 69.51A.140.

The cultivator must also be 21 years old and above and must first register with Spokane Clean Air before beginning cultivation. Spokane Clean Air is responsible for federal, state, and local air quality regulations, as well as the control of air pollutant emissions from both new and existing sources. The agency is essential for Spokane County's economic and environmental health.

Outdoor cultivation is permitted as long as the recreational marijuana producer, processor, or retail outlet will not be within 1,000 feet of any of the following places:

• primary or secondary education;

• playground;

• a recreation center or establishment;

• a daycare facility;

• a public space

• public transportation hub;

• a library;

• any gaming arcade where entry is not limited to those who are at least 21.

Cannabis cultivation is not permitted on lots or parcels that are smaller than the zone's minimum lot size, on nonconforming lots, or on lots that are part of a rural cluster development.

Specific and functional qualities such as canopy size, topography, odor control techniques, plant growth structures plant, use of temporary growing structures, and ventilation system will also be determined as setback requirements for growing cannabis by a Hearing Examiner.

Is Cannabis Manufacturing Legal in Spokane County?

Yes. Cannabis manufacturing is legal in Spokane County, if carried out in accordance with the standards and criteria of SRCAA.

Producers and processors of marijuana in Spokane County shall register with SRCAA first before operating. Every year, in the months of March and April, following initial registration, SRCAA will send annual registration packets. An application form and an invoice for the annual fee are both included in the packet.

Annual Registration Fees are the following:

1. Facility fee $264 per source

2. Emissions Fee $83 per ton

3. Emission Point Fee $83 per stack/point

4. Synthetic Minor Fee $1,988 per source

Any person who is not a manufacturer licensed by the Washington State Liquor Control Board is prohibited from processing or manufacturing cannabis concentrate in the City of Spokane in accordance with Section 17F.080.490 of Spokane Municipal Code.

Manufacturers will be required to use a closed loop system in their manufacturing or processing operations that makes use of equipment that has been approved and inspected by Fire Department representatives to ensure compliance with all fire safety laws and ordinances in the State of Washington and the City of Spokane.

Is Cannabis Retail Legal in Spokane County?

Yes. Anyone over the age of 21 may currently purchase, use, and possess cannabis in Spokane County. Although it is legal to buy and carry cannabis in Spokane County, smoking it in public is still against the law. This means that consuming marijuana in public places such as smoking, eating, or drinking is prohibited.

The following are also the limitations on adults (21 and above) with regard to carrying marijuana products:

• Solid marijuana-infused edibles weighing 16 ounces

• Liquid marijuana totaling 72 ounces

• 7 grams of marijuana concentrates

Marijuana-infused edible products, including but not limited to gummy sweets, lollipops, cotton candy, and items with vibrant colors, are not allowed. This complies with the Washington Administrative Code 314-55-077.

The WSLCB initially set the number of retail outlets at 334, taking into account the population, security, and safety concerns, and discouraging illegal markets. The number of retail outlets will rise to 556 as a result of recent legislation that permits existing dispensaries to move over.

Moreover, the Cannabis Products list shows the cannabis-infused products available in Spokane County.

Is Cannabis Delivery Legal in Spokane County?

No. Delivery of cannabis is strictly prohibited in Spokane County. Any products containing cannabis in any way, their distribution, or transportation are not permitted in the county. This is in accordance with Washington State's Initiative 502. Even people with medical marijuana ID cards are not exempted from this law.

Accordingly, the only way to purchase cannabis in the county is to buy directly from the local dispensaries.

How to Get Medical Marijuana Card in Spokane County

Residents of the county who want to obtain a medical marijuana ID card must have a qualifying medical condition and obtain a form called a Medical Marijuana Authorization from a healthcare professional.

Schedule a consultation with a licensed medical marijuana practitioner available in the county and provide a concise medical history. If you have any medical records that support your qualifying condition, kindly provide them to the doctor(s) so they can review them.

Online doctor consultations are also an option. Just visit the website of a clinic where a licensed marijuana doctor is residing, discuss your conditions with the doctor and ask any questions you may have about using medical marijuana as a treatment. Your doctor will take the necessary steps to submit the required authorization paperwork for approval.

After it has been approved, the doctor will mail you an official medical marijuana card that is printed on tamper-resistant paper and can be presented at any dispensary recognized by the state.

For more information on how to get a medical marijuana card in Spokane County, you may contact the local health department at:

Spokane Regional Health District

1101 W. College Ave.

Spokane, WA 99201

Phone: 509.324.1500

How Has Cannabis Legalization Impacted the Economy of Spokane County?

According to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, Spokane County recorded a total cannabis sale of $135,017,336 in the fiscal year 2020. Sales in the county represented 10.7% of statewide cannabis sales for 2020. On a per-capita basis, Spokane County was 69% higher than the rest of the state in the most recent fiscal year. It has the highest rate of per-capita sales in Washington.

Between July 1, 2020, and June 30 in the year 2021, Washington LCB, revealed $163,765,200 cannabis sales for Spokane County. This accounted for 11.07% cannabis sales in the state. Out of all the counties in Washington, Spokane County comes in third place in terms of total recreational sales by volume, behind King and Pierce counties.

According to data obtained from Washington LCB, the county's economy has benefited from the revenue generated by the cannabis industry, which has grown every year.

The Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Crime Rates in Spokane County

According to the FBI crime report of Spokane County Sheriff's Office in 2013, there are a total of 27 marijuana possession offenses and 0 drug sales offenses. In the following year, 10 marijuana drug possession offenses and 7 sales offenses were reported.

While in 2019, crime offenses count of 22 marijuana possession and 2 marijuana drug sales were registered. In 2020, the number of arrests decreased from 22 to 13 marijuana possession offenses, and from 2 to 0 marijuana sales offenses. Hence, data shows that after marijuana usage for recreational purposes became legal in the county in 2014, marijuana-related crime rates have decreased.