Initiative 502 (I-502) was passed by Washington voters in November of 2012. The initiative requires the Washington Liquor Control Board (LCB) to adopt regulations regarding the growing, processing, and retailing of marijuana and related products. These regulations went into effect on November 16, and they are codified in Chapter 314-55 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

The LCB will license facilities to grow, process, and retail. More information about the licensing process can be found on the LCB website. 

The state handles the licensing of marijuana facilities, but it is up to local jurisdictions to decide where and under what conditions such facilities will locate and, to some extent, operate. 

On May 27, 2014, the then Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance with the provision that the county will not issue any land use approvals for I-502 facilities until such time as marijuana is no longer listed as a federally-controlled substance. (Section 40.260.115(B)(4))

• I-502 Adoption Ordinance ORD2014-05-07