Pasco Council Approved Fifth Cannabis Retail Store
City officials amended a local ordinance to increase the maximum allowed dispensaries from four to five.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Pasco City Council approved an ordinance amendment in August 2026 that raises the limit on the number of authorized cannabis retail stores in the city from four to five. This legislative change clears the way for Compas LLC to open a new dispensary in west Pasco under a state-issued social equity license.
Why it matters
Council members supported the expansion as a way to encourage competition and provide for measured growth within the local industry. Additionally, the license holders have committed to financial contributions to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to fulfill state philanthropic requirements.
The city previously capped the number of cannabis retail stores at four, a limit now raised to five to accommodate new license holders. Meanwhile, producers and processors in Benton County reported a 22% decrease in revenue in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The players
Pasco City Council
This local governing body holds the authority to regulate land use and business zoning within the city limits of Pasco.
Compas LLC
This business entity holds a state-issued social equity license to operate a cannabis dispensary in west Pasco.
Zach Fairley
He is a partner at Compas LLC who received a state social equity license during the second round of issuance.
Steve Garrido
He is a partner at Compas LLC who operates the business alongside his colleague Zach Fairley.
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
This organization is slated to receive financial support from Compas LLC to satisfy state philanthropy mandates.
The details
Compas LLC partners Zach Fairley and Steve Garrido secured their license during the state's second round of issuance, which prioritized social equity. The firm successfully notified local and state officials of its expansion plans and store design following the approval of the ordinance amendment.
Timeline
The initial limit for cannabis stores was set in 2014.
State social equity licenses were first issued in 2023.
Benton County cannabis revenues dropped 22% in 2025.
The city council approved the Compas application in August 2026.
Mayor Grimm discussed market saturation at a council meeting on September 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
The introduction of a fifth retail store follows the framework set by the Washington State social equity license program, which aims to diversify the industry. This addition forces existing retailers like Green2Go and Pacific Outpost to navigate a more competitive landscape as market revenue in the region faces a downward trend.
Local cannabis consumers will soon gain an additional shopping option in the west Pasco area. The addition of a new store may increase local product availability, though the overall economic impact on retail pricing remains subject to competitive market forces.
The takeaway
This expansion represents a shift toward more inclusive licensing in the local cannabis sector. Residents can expect the new dispensary to begin operations by late 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local commercial expansion, visit the Pasco Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.
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