WashingtonSB 52062025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning cannabis retailer advertising.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Some cannabis business signs stay exempt

Beginning January 1, 2026, certain information signs smaller than 512 square inches do not count as cannabis advertising. They cannot show brand names, trade names, or cannabis product images. Allowed messages include hours, open or closed status, ATM availability, greetings, required notices, and community notices. State transportation department Adopt-a-Highway signs also do not count as advertising when their sponsorship is current and valid. Noncommercial messages are exempt, and product placement inside a retail outlet does not count as advertising.

Cannabis ads face youth protection rules

Beginning January 1, 2026, cannabis ads in any medium must clearly state that only people 21 or older may buy or possess cannabis. Trade name signs are exempt from this notice requirement. Cannabis licensees cannot target youth or use promotional practices likely to increase youth cannabis use. Toys, inflatables, movie or cartoon characters, and similar images are banned when they show an intent to promote cannabis to people under 21. Ads also cannot target out-of-state residents or portray alcohol, tobacco, or motor-vehicle associations.

Cannabis shoppers face below-cost sale limits

Beginning January 1, 2026, cannabis licensees cannot advertise, offer, or sell cannabis for less than they paid to acquire it. This limits below-cost discounts available to shoppers. The ban does not apply to sales of products designated for medical cannabis use by qualifying patients under Washington law.

Cannabis businesses face advertising location limits

Beginning January 1, 2026, cannabis signs and ads are banned within 1,000 feet of school grounds, playgrounds, child care centers, parks, libraries, recreation facilities, and arcades admitting people under 21. Outdoor ads are banned in arenas, stadiums, malls, state-funded fairs, farmers markets, and video game arcades, except in board-designated 21-and-over areas. All cannabis transit ads are banned. Cannabis ads are also banned in businesses licensed by the state board under chapters 70.345, 82.24, or 82.26 RCW. At qualifying event sites, ads are allowed in board-designated 21-and-over areas no more than 14 days before the event. They may identify the event by brand name but cannot advertise other cannabis products. The state board must adopt rules; until penalty rules are adopted, it may fine businesses $1,000 per violation. Repeat violations can lead to license suspension or revocation, and fines go to the dedicated cannabis account. Local governments can adopt stricter outdoor advertising rules and enforce their own regulations.

Cannabis shops get limited sign options

Beginning January 1, 2026, Washington cannabis retailers can display up to four advertising signs, each no larger than 1,600 square inches. These signs must attach to the building’s main-entrance side or hang in windows on that side. Licensed cannabis businesses can also use two signs showing only their trade name, subject to local sign-size rules. One double-sided trade name sign counts as one when both sides show identical content. Signs visible from a public road or walkway count as advertising; clearly visible indoor signs must follow outdoor rules. Outdoor signs must identify the business’s name, type, and location, without cannabis images or items appealing to children. Street-visible billboards are generally banned, except for licensed-outlet identification and directions allowed under state board rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Drew MacEwen
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Chris Gildon
Republican • Senate
Derek Stanford
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 149 • No: 42

Senate vote • 4/18/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 38 • No: 10 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/16/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 72 • No: 23 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/12/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 39 • No: 9 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

Effective date 1/1/2026.
5/20/2025Senate
Chapter 378, 2025 Laws.
5/20/2025Senate
Governor signed.
5/20/2025legislature
Delivered to Governor.
4/23/2025legislature
Speaker signed.
4/22/2025legislature
President signed.
4/19/2025legislature
Passed final passage; yeas, 38; nays, 10; absent, 0; excused, 1.
4/18/2025Senate
Senate concurred in House amendments.
4/18/2025House
Third reading, passed; yeas, 72; nays, 23; absent, 0; excused, 3.
4/16/2025Senate
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
4/16/2025Senate
Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.
4/16/2025Senate
Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
4/16/2025Senate
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
4/2/2025Senate
CPB - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
4/1/2025Senate
CPB - Executive action taken by committee.
4/1/2025Senate
First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Business.
3/14/2025Senate
Third reading, passed; yeas, 39; nays, 9; absent, 0; excused, 1.
3/12/2025Senate
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/12/2025Senate
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
3/12/2025Senate
Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
3/10/2025Senate
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
2/28/2025Senate
Minority; without recommendation.
2/27/2025Senate
WM - Majority; do pass.
2/27/2025Senate
Referred to Ways & Means.
2/19/2025Senate
And refer to Ways & Means.
2/18/2025Senate

Bill Text

Session Law
5/23/2025
HTML PDF
Bill as Passed Legislature
4/23/2025
HTML PDF
Engrossed Bill
3/12/2025
HTML PDF
Original Bill
1/14/2025
HTML PDF

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