The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has proposed rule changes that would allow cannabis cultivators to team up.
The LCB is considering repealing, amending and creating rules to allow license cannabis producers to form agricultural cooperatives or associations made of up to three cannabis producer licenses per association. It will allow cannabis grower associations to process, handle and market their products just as other producers of agricultural products do.
The LCB has opened the matter to public comments, which are due by July 3, 2026.
According to the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), the core values for agriculture cooperatives are:
- Farmer ownership and control in the production and distribution chain
- Continued economic viability of America’s farmers, ranchers, and the businesses they own
- Stewardship of natural resources
- Vibrant rural communities
The proposed rule changes for cannabis cultivators in Washington comes as other states with legal markets are introducing new policies to help growers. Earlier this month, the New York Office of Cannabis Management announced that licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries in New York can now apply to host temporary Cannabis Showcase Events under newly adopted regulations. It gives growers a way to engage consumers at approved pop-ups, farmers’ markets, and public market events, creating new business opportunities, while maintaining strong safety standards and local oversight.
