More than 300 people apply for pot business licenses on first day

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A total of 299 people completed online applications by mid-afternoon Monday for marijuana business licenses, and additional people applied in person across the state, the Washington State Department of Revenue announced.

Monday was the first day to apply for producer, processor and retailer marijuana licenses in the state. Applicants have through Dec. 19 to submit their application, which is available through the Business Licensing Service.

Applicants also applied in person at Revenue’s 12 offices across the state. The first day of the marijuana business licensing window went smoothly, with small numbers of people applying in person.

The numbers of online applications submitted by mid-afternoon Monday for the three licenses are:

The Department of Revenue is encouraging applicants to apply online, which is convenient, can be done in the privacy of their home and provides several payment options, including debit cards and credit cards.

Those who plan to form a corporation or limited liability company must first establish their corporation with the Secretary of State’s Office. This is a necessary step before filing an application with the Business Licensing Service.

Licenses will be approved by the state's Liquor Control Board. The Liquor Control Board will begin processing the licenses Wednesday, but there is no date for final approval.

There is no limit on the number of growers and processors, but the state will license only 334 retail stores.