New figures from Washington's Liquor Control Board show a big jump in marijuana business applications as this week's deadline for submissions nears.
The board said Tuesday it has received 2,444 applications to grow, process or sell cannabis under Washington's recreational pot law passed by voters last year. As of a week ago, that figure was just under 1,700.
The most applications, 1,116, have been for growing licenses. The state has received 816 processor-license applications and 512 retail store applications, which means in Seattle, there's a proposed pot store for every five Starbucks cafes. Some organizations have submitted multiple applications.
Not all proposed stores will be approved. The state isn't capping the number of growers or processors, but says it will only allow 334 pot shops statewide. Some areas are expected to face a lottery for the retail licenses. There have been 84 applications for the 21 retail licenses allocated to Seattle.
The application window opened Nov. 18, with a deadline of 5 p.m. Friday.
Map Of Proposed Marijuana Retail Outlets:
Interactive map by Mike Baker.