WA Governor - Bill Action (May 4, 2023) - HB 1563
Legislation expanding arrest projections for medical cannabis patients reflected the diligence of an advocate who had been pushing for various reforms on medical policies for several years.
Legislation expanding arrest projections for medical cannabis patients reflected the diligence of an advocate who had been pushing for various reforms on medical policies for several years.
The Governor approved a bill to allow interstate cannabis agreements if the practice became permitted by federal government action - and legislation had been introduced in Congress to do just that.
Several cannabis retailers conveyed experiences and policies on reducing robberies, but local officials and others pushed for more organized and proactive enforcement approaches.
A familiar face was announced to lead a new agency research unit, extensive rulemaking would take place in the coming months, and the board celebrated signed social equity legislation.
With broad effects on definitions, timelines, portability, and the number of cannabis licenses in the social equity program, the Governor called passage of SB 5080 “a really important deal.”
Researchers ran through various efforts to regulate cannabis concentrates which had been supported by some stakeholders before taking questions on how to influence legislators and the public.
An update on the 2023 legislative session hinted at a potential special session to revise a Blake bill on drug use and treatment, then staff discussed input on the medical cannabis system.
The council heard that even after modifications to traffic fatality data involving drug testing results the narrative on the increasing prevalence of poly-drug incidences remained unchanged.
Board members learned more about environmental pesticide investigations and test results before hearing a proposal for a dedicated research unit at the agency and legislative updates.
Agency leadership reported on their response to legacy environmental pesticides, CANNRA engagement, rule and research plans, as well as the status of hiring a new director.