The Washington State House of Representatives voted 72 to 23 today to approve Senate Bill 5206, legislation that would revise how marijuana retailers can advertise their businesses.
The measure, which previously passed the Senate by a vote of 39 to 9, now returns there for a vote of concurrence due to amendments adopted in the House.
SB 5206 would modify existing rules on marijuana signage and advertising, expanding the number of allowable signs on a retailer’s building from two to four. Signs smaller than 512 square inches would be excluded from this limit.
The proposal also clarifies rules around window signs, trade name signage, and the size and content of advertisements. Notably, it prohibits ads from depicting cannabis products, using mascots, referencing motor vehicles, or displaying transit ads such as those at bus stops or train stations.
The legislation provides specific definitions for “commercial mascot” and “transit advertisements”. A commercial mascot would be defined as any live person, animal, or mechanical device—such as inflatable tube displays or individuals in costume—used to draw attention to a marijuana business or its products. These mascots would be prohibited from being used outside or near a licensed cannabis retailer. “Transit advertisements” are defined as any ads placed on or within public or private vehicles, as well as locations like bus stops, taxi stands, and train stations. These forms of advertising would also be banned under the bill.
If the bill is enacted into law, new regulations would take effect on January 1, 2026.
