The bill amends existing laws to authorize agricultural cooperatives specifically for licensed cannabis producers in Washington State. It introduces provisions that allow licensed cannabis producers to form associations or cooperatives to engage in collective activities, while ensuring that no single cooperative can represent more than three cannabis producer licenses at any given time. Additionally, the bill clarifies that cannabis is considered an agricultural product for the purposes of these cooperatives, aligning it with other agricultural products.

Furthermore, the bill updates the fees associated with cannabis producer, processor, and retailer licenses, maintaining the application fee at $250 while adjusting the annual renewal fee to $1,381. It also establishes a process for the forfeiture of cannabis retailer licenses if they are not operational within a specified timeframe, while providing protections against forfeiture due to local government actions that may hinder the establishment of a retail cannabis business. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for cannabis producers and facilitate their collaboration through cooperatives.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 69.50.325, 69.50.335
Engrossed bill: 69.50.325, 69.50.335
Bill as passed Legislature: 69.50.325, 69.50.335
Session law: 69.50.325, 69.50.335