The state of Washington is mulling a “social equity license” that would give preference in cannabis shop licensing to those convicted and imprisoned on non-violent drug offenses.
If the Washington State Liquor Cannabis Board adopts the rule, the city of Seattle would follow suit and also commit $1 million in grant money to help ex-cons get their start in the cannabis business.
There are 40 licenses being kept on hold by the LCB for this purpose.
“Our intent is to be able to reach applicants that were disproportionally harmed by the war on drugs,” Brian Smith, Director of Communications for the LCB, told Seattle Fox Affiliate KCPQ-TV.