WSLCB - Board Caucus (April 18, 2023) - Summary
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.
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.
Pausing emergency rulemaking which would lower action levels for some pesticides didn’t preclude public comments critical of the approach taken by agency staff to the overall situation.
The board heard that details on emergency rules around potential soil contamination could wait until the following day’s board meeting, and staff also gave legislative and rulemaking updates.
The full House incorporated changes to THC legislation designed in committee and passed the measure, but only after formally ‘reconsidering’ their vote.
Without guidance in defining ‘cannabinoid,’ consensus on its meaning or the scope of work for the group proved difficult, but agreement to prioritize regulatory issues emerged.
Hemp industry members opposed a bill on THC regulation, but an agency representative as well as several cannabis industry, public health, and substance prevention groups backed the move.
Testimony on a cannabis commission showed disagreements over the body’s potential value; supporters emphasized the bill gave licensed producers the power to decide for themselves.
Most committee members found they liked legislation limiting pre-employment cannabis screenings as written, deciding against approving two amendments to the bill before recommending passage.
Members modified the process for local authorities to object to license applications and made technical corrections before approving a bill to expand the social equity in cannabis program.