Q: Do I need a special type of business license to sell growing equipment to the marijuana growers?
The WA state website does not specifiy, and I cannot find this answer *anywhere*. I've no desire to touch, buy, or sell marijuana. I want to start a website that sells the equipment to grow it, though. Hydroponics, LED lights, blah, blah.
A: Most states do not require a specific license, except a business license (and perhaps City license) to work in the areas you have described. However, as ridiculous as it sounds, you are still subject to Federal Prosecution, as those who sell certain precursor chemicals, specialized equipment, or simply offer to help produce marijuana may also may be charged with the federal crimes. So far, we have not seen any meaningful Federal enforcement in State's that have moved to full recreational cannabis laws. It would be important to note these state's has decriminalized and created robust legal oversight. However, some places this is still considered a crime. You need to do a state-by-state analysis to make sure you are not delivering where it is illegal at the State level as both State and Federal prosecutors may be able to be able to prosecute you. The issue is not if it is legal in your state, it also matters where you deliver. If you need an example of someone thinking they were going to be just fine, given how progressive things are read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Pipe_Dreams and the charming Fed from Beaver Falls.
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