Washington State lawmakers spent significant time on cannabis legislation in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee meeting on Friday, February 21, spotlighting three key bills that could shape the future of the industry. Each measure sought to refine or expand legal pathways for cannabis use and business development, while highlighting the state’s broader efforts to address equity, safety, and consumer protection.
House Bill 1940: Out-of-State Investment and Social Equity One of the central cannabis bills was House Bill 1940, which would lift Washington’s six-month residency requirement for owning a cannabis business. Proponents emphasized that allowing out-of-state investors could infuse more capital into local businesses—particularly smaller, minority-owned operations. Critically, the bill also creates a five-year Business & Occupation tax exemption for businesses licensed under Washington’s social equity program once they exceed $5,000 in sales revenue.
Sponsors of HB 1940 argued that the bill strikes a balance between loosening capital restrictions and supporting entrepreneurs who face systemic barriers. Skeptics on the committee acknowledged the potential economic boost but remained concerned about whether the measure might dilute the intent of Washington’s originally voter-approved, more restricted cannabis market. After debate, HB 1940 secured enough support to advance, with lawmakers expressing willingness to refine the scope further before it heads to the House floor.
House Bill 1449: Home Cultivation Lawmakers also tackled whether to legalize the home cultivation of non-medical cannabis. House Bill 1449 would allow Washington residents age 21 and older to grow up to six plants per household—an activity currently still considered a Class C felony. Those in favor said legalizing limited personal cultivation closes a gap in the state’s cannabis laws and mirrors home-grow allowances in other legal-cannabis states.
During the hearing, members wrestled with how to regulate odor control, visibility to neighbors, and potential conflicts with local bans on commercial cannabis. Several amendments sought to address landlord-tenant issues, require traceability for seeds or clones, and offer “warning first” provisions for law enforcement encounters. Ultimately, HB 1449 passed the committee stage with amendments, though some lawmakers stressed the importance of continued negotiations to ensure both law enforcement clarity and equity protections for renters.
House Bill 1932: Social Consumption Events A third cannabis bill—House Bill 1932—proposes to create a license structure for organizing events where adults age 21 and older can purchase and consume cannabis onsite. Under current law, there is no legal mechanism for social cannabis consumption in Washington. HB 1932 would change that by allowing event organizers to secure a “cannabis consumption event organizer license.” Attendees could consume cannabis in designated areas, including a controlled outdoor space for smoking or vaping. Alcohol and tobacco sales would be strictly prohibited.
Proponents believe the bill addresses a long-standing reality that tourists, renters, and others without a private residence often resort to illegal public consumption. By providing a regulated, temporary venue, the measure could also give a boost to small-scale event planners and social equity licensees—especially given a proposed fee waiver for license-holders in the state’s social equity program. Some committee members, however, raised questions on public safety, liability coverage, and preventing impaired driving. Despite such concerns, most lawmakers recognized the bill as a step toward responsible, publicly sanctioned cannabis consumption.
Looking Ahead The three cannabis measures garnered robust discussion and, in each case, enough votes to move forward. Lawmakers on both sides acknowledged the delicate balance of expanding Washington’s cannabis industry while maintaining strong consumer safeguards and meaningful social equity provisions. In the coming weeks, bill sponsors said they will be working closely with interested parties—including municipalities, cannabis businesses, and equity advocates—to refine each piece of legislation before a potential vote by the full House.
Whether the bills ultimately pass intact or undergo significant revisions, the February 21 hearing demonstrated the legislature’s ongoing efforts to address the evolving cannabis landscape. From out-of-state investments to home cultivation and social consumption, each proposal seeks to fill gaps that linger more than a decade after Washington initially legalized recreational cannabis. While consensus is far from guaranteed, the debate signals momentum toward broadening legal access points, leveling the playing field for smaller or minority-owned enterprises, and clarifying how and where adults can legally enjoy cannabis in the Evergreen State.
