Lynnwood Lifts Cannabis Retail Ban: Collaboration and Education Lead to Historic Policy Shift
In September 2025, the Lynnwood City Council voted 5 to 2 to lift its long-standing ban on retail cannabis sales, allowing up to four stores to open in designated commercial zones. The decision marks a major turning point for the city and reflects years of collaborative advocacy led by The Cannabis Alliance, Pacific Northwest Regional Strategies, and other local stakeholders committed to thoughtful cannabis policy reform.
A Decade of Prohibition Comes to an End
After Washington voters approved Initiative 502 in 2012, many cities adopted a cautious approach to legalization. Lynnwood implemented a full ban on cannabis retail, production, and processing in 2015. Over time, surrounding jurisdictions demonstrated that regulated cannabis businesses could operate safely and responsibly. As public sentiment evolved and neighboring cities captured the benefits of local regulation, Lynnwood began to revisit its stance. In early 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a thorough review of zoning and buffer options, setting the stage for the City Council’s decision to lift the ban.
Key contributions from The Cannabis Alliance included:
Educational Presentations: Executive Director Caitlein Ryan presented a detailed slideshow to both the Planning Commission and City Council illustrating how other Washington municipalities had integrated retail cannabis while maintaining public safety, outlining zoning maps, fiscal projections, and compliance data.
Technical Guidance: The Alliance supplied staff and policymakers with model ordinances, sample regulatory language, and background research to inform city decision-making.
Public Engagement: The Alliance coordinated community participation and encouraged testimony from patients, business owners, and residents to ensure diverse perspectives were represented.
Fact-Based Advocacy: The organization provided clear, evidence-based data on compliance rates, youth prevention outcomes, and public health findings that addressed common misconceptions.
Coalition Building: The Alliance collaborated with title certificate holders, local advocates, and civic partners to align messaging and reinforce the shared benefits of regulation.
Ongoing Support: Beyond public hearings, the Alliance maintained communication with Lynnwood staff, offering additional resources and clarifications throughout the policy process.
What the New Ordinance Allows
The ordinance adopted by the Lynnwood City Council authorizes up to four retail cannabis stores in designated mixed-use and commercial zones. It includes all state-mandated buffers, prioritizes existing title certificate holders, and requires stores to maintain medical endorsements to serve qualified patients. The Council also chose not to adopt unnecessary spacing restrictions between stores, allowing zoning and market conditions to determine appropriate placement.
A Step Toward Responsible Integration
The removal of the retail ban allows Lynnwood to capture local tax revenue, create jobs, and strengthen oversight of cannabis activity within city limits rather than leaving it to unincorporated areas. The Cannabis Alliance plans to continue partnering with city staff and new licensees to support compliance education, transparency, and community engagement as retail businesses open.
A Shared Achievement
Lynnwood’s policy change represents a collective success built on persistence, education, and collaboration. The Cannabis Alliance and Pacific Northwest Regional Strategies provided the technical foundation and outreach that helped city leaders move from hesitation to confidence. Special acknowledgment goes to Josh Estes and his team for their leadership and to the Lynnwood Planning Commission, city staff, and council members who engaged thoughtfully and voted for progress. This outcome demonstrates that when advocates, policymakers, and communities work together, cannabis regulation can be implemented responsibly, ethically, and sustainably.