Anita Ponder
Ponder Diversity Group LLC

Welcome to the website of the WSLCB Social Equity in Cannabis Program! Thank you for your interest in participating in this Program which was created by the State of Washington to issue cannabis retail licenses to eligible individuals and businesses in disproportionately impacted areas in the State of Washington.

Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG) is the Social Equity Contractor whose responsibility is to facilitate the online social equity application process by independently reviewing and scoring each completed application based on the WSLCB Scoring Rubric. We are a specialty boutique law firm located in Chicago, Illinois that recently spun off from the national law firm of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer under my leadership. PDG represents government agencies, major corporations, established small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that seek to develop, improve and/or update their regulations, policies, initiatives and/or programs that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the CEO, General Counsel and Chief of Diversity for PDG, I am delighted to spearhead this important project, along with our teaming partner, Inner-City Group, which developed the web-based application process.

You or your business has successfully completed its initial application through the WSLCB Business Licensing Services. We cordially invite you to continue the application process by completing a comprehensive online application and uploading documents to support your responses. It is important that your documents are complete, accurate and legible. Please read all associated laws, rules, and regulations as well as the application instructions carefully before you begin the Washington Social Equity Cannabis Retail License Application process. (WAC 314-55-570).

Please be advised that the legal review and verification process may take up to three (3) months and you may be asked to clarify your responses or to submit additional information. Upon your completion of the application and submittal of documents, PDG will conduct a full legal review of your application and documents. Subsequently, your application will be electronically scored, ranked and transmitted to WSLCB to complete the licensing review process.

Please read the application instructions very carefully and submit a complete and accurate application and supporting documents in a timely manner. If additional documentation is required, you will receive a letter electronically from us requesting additional information. Incomplete applications without supporting documentation will not be reviewed and scored. Unfortunately, no exceptions will be made.

Thanks again for your interest in participating in the WSLCB Social Equity in Cannabis Program. This is an amazing business opportunity for eligible applicants. We wish you continued success as you continue the application process!