The Washington State Legislature is looking into the possibility of reducing the minimum distance of cannabis-related establishments from community facilities to 500 feet.
Present zoning regulations put the minimum distance of cannabis businesses from churches, schools and child-care facilities at 1,000 feet while liquor stores are pegged at 500 feet.
If passed, House Bill 2022, will allow cannabis-related establishments such as retailers, processors, and growers to be zoned similarly to liquor stores in terms of their locations.
Rep. Eric Robertson (R) remarked that the provisions of the bill were aimed at “protecting young people” and “communities.”
Rep. Emily Wicks (D) pointed out contrasts between alcohol and cannabis-related businesses in how minors are exposed.
“Children walk by liquor stores and walk by liquor in grocery stores on a daily basis,” she observed.
However, Rep. Kelly Chambers (R) also wondered about the end-goal of the provision.
“When we see alcohol being served in family restaurants, is that the end goal? To treat cannabis the same as alcohol?” she asked.
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