Senate Bill 5206, introduced last month by Senators Drew MacEwen (R), Chris Gildon (R), and Derek Stanford (D), was approved today by the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce.
The bill proposes updates to Washington’s regulations on marijuana advertising, expanding allowable signage for licensed retailers while imposing new restrictions on content and placement.
If enacted, SB 5206 would allow marijuana retailers to display up to four signs on the exterior of their licensed premises, up from the current limit of two. These signs must be affixed to the building or displayed in windows, with each limited to a maximum size of 1,600 square inches. Smaller signs under 512 square inches that do not include branding, such as those indicating store hours or ATM availability, would not be classified as advertising.
The bill reinforces prohibitions on marijuana advertising near schools, playgrounds, parks, and similar locations. It also bans advertisements featuring alcohol, tobacco, or motor vehicles, as well as transit ads placed in or around public transportation facilities. Additionally, it prohibits promotions targeting individuals outside Washington and marketing tactics deemed appealing to minors, such as the use of mascots or cartoon imagery.
SB 5206 would establish escalating penalties for violations, starting with a $1,000 fine and potentially leading to license suspension or revocation.
The legislation now moves forward for further consideration in the Senate.
