Washington's Cannabis Advocacy Landscape

Washington was one of the first two states to legalize recreational cannabis when voters passed Initiative 502 in November 2012. More than a decade later, the state's advocacy ecosystem is one of the most established in the country, with trade associations representing every tier of the supply chain, policy reform organizations pushing for home cultivation and social equity, and independent journalists covering rulemaking at the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).

Below is a guide to the most active organizations in Washington's cannabis community.

Washington CannaBusiness Association (WACA)

Type: Trade Association | Executive Director: Vicki Christophersen

Website: wacannabusiness.org

The Washington CannaBusiness Association is the oldest cannabis trade association in Washington State, representing licensed producers, processors, and retailers. Under Executive Director Vicki Christophersen, WACA focuses on:

• Tax policy — opposing proposed increases to Washington's already-high 37% cannabis excise tax and advocating for tax structures that support licensed operators
• Licensing reform — shaping the licensing framework to balance industry growth with market stability
• Legislative advocacy — tracking bills in the Washington Legislature and providing testimony at WSLCB rulemaking sessions
• Industry representation — serving as the primary voice for established cannabis businesses in state-level policy discussions

As the longest-running cannabis trade organization in Washington, WACA has been central to shaping the regulatory framework that governs the state's legal market.

The Cannabis Alliance

Type: Trade Association & Equity Advocacy

Website: thecannabisalliance.us

The Cannabis Alliance is one of Washington's leading cannabis trade associations, known for combining industry advocacy with a strong focus on social equity and retail ownership issues. Key activities include:

• Washington State Cannabis Summit — organizing the state's annual cannabis industry conference, bringing together operators, regulators, and advocates
• Social equity — advocating for equity provisions in cannabis licensing, including pathways for communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition
• Retail ownership advocacy — working to ensure independent retailers maintain a strong presence in Washington's market
• Regulatory engagement — participating in WSLCB rulemaking and legislative processes on behalf of members

Washington Sun and Craft Grower's Association

Type: Trade Association (Small-Scale Producers) | Founder: Jeremy Moberg (Cannasol Farms)

Website: sunandcraft.org

The Washington Sun and Craft Grower's Association represents sustainable, small-scale, and sun-grown cannabis producers in Washington State. Founded by Jeremy Moberg of Cannasol Farms, the organization advocates for:

• Sustainable cultivation — promoting sun-grown, outdoor, and low-energy farming methods as alternatives to energy-intensive indoor operations
• Small-farm protections — advocating for regulations and licensing structures that allow small-scale craft producers to compete alongside larger operations
• Craft cannabis identity — building consumer awareness around the quality and environmental benefits of sun-grown, craft-produced cannabis
• Agricultural integration — working toward cannabis being treated as an agricultural crop at the state and federal level

Washington NORML

Type: Policy Reform & Consumer Advocacy

Phone: (206) 641-0935

Website: wanorml.org

Washington NORML is the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. WA NORML focuses on:

• Consumer rights — advocating for the rights of adult cannabis users and medical patients in Washington
• Policy reform — pushing for improvements to Washington's cannabis laws, including home cultivation rights for recreational users, employment protections, and sensible regulation
• Public education — providing Washingtonians with accurate information about cannabis law, responsible use, and legal rights
• Federal reform — engaging Washington's congressional delegation on federal descheduling and banking reform

Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) — Washington

Type: National Policy Reform (Active in Washington)

Website: mpp.org/states/washington

The Marijuana Policy Project continues to be active in Washington cannabis policy even after legalization. MPP's current Washington priorities include:

• Home cultivation — supporting legislation to allow recreational home growing in Washington, which remains one of the few legal states that prohibits non-medical home cultivation
• Tax reform — advocating for sensible tax policies that reduce the illicit market while maintaining state revenue
• Federal reform — engaging Washington's congressional delegation on federal cannabis scheduling and banking reform

Washington is notable as one of the few states where recreational cannabis is legal but home cultivation for non-medical adults remains prohibited. MPP has made changing this a priority for the state.

Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA)

Type: Equity & Inclusion (National, Active in Washington)

Website: minoritycannabis.org — Washington Equity Map

The Minority Cannabis Business Association tracks social equity programs nationwide and maintains a Washington-specific equity map. MCBA's work in Washington includes:

• Equity tracking — monitoring the status of social equity provisions in Washington's cannabis licensing and regulation
• Industry access — working to ensure communities of color and those disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition have meaningful pathways into the legal industry
• Policy advocacy — pushing for stronger equity requirements in Washington's cannabis regulatory framework

Cannabis Observer

Type: Independent Journalism

Website: cannabis.observer

The Cannabis Observer provides independent journalism covering the Washington State Legislature and WSLCB rulemaking as they relate to cannabis. This outlet offers:

• Legislative tracking — detailed coverage of cannabis-related bills moving through the Washington Legislature
• Rulemaking coverage — reporting on proposed rule changes, public comment periods, and WSLCB board actions
• Policy analysis — in-depth analysis of regulatory decisions and their impact on the industry

Cannabis Observer fills an important gap by providing dedicated, ongoing coverage of Washington cannabis policy that mainstream media rarely provides.

Seattle Hempfest

Type: Advocacy Festival & Public Education

Seattle Hempfest is the longest-running cannabis advocacy festival in the United States. Held annually in Seattle, Hempfest combines live music, speakers, educational exhibits, and advocacy booths in what has become a defining event for the Washington cannabis community and the national legalization movement.

Hempfest played a significant role in building public support for cannabis reform in Washington in the years leading up to Initiative 502, and it continues to serve as a gathering point for advocates, educators, and the broader cannabis community.

Get Involved

Washington's cannabis market was one of the first in the nation, and the policy landscape continues to evolve — from ongoing debates about home cultivation and tax reform to social equity and the medical program's modernization. The WSLCB holds regular public meetings, posts proposed rule changes for public comment, and the Legislature considers cannabis-related bills each session. These organizations offer multiple pathways to stay informed, participate in the process, and shape the future of cannabis in the Evergreen State.

For official regulatory inquiries, contact the WSLCB directly through their website at lcb.wa.gov.