WA Governor - Bill Action (March 11, 2022) - HB 1210
The governor acknowledged the racist legacy of using the term ‘marijuana’ in reference to the plant before signing a law to use the word ‘cannabis’ in state statute and rules instead.
The governor acknowledged the racist legacy of using the term ‘marijuana’ in reference to the plant before signing a law to use the word ‘cannabis’ in state statute and rules instead.
Two changes to a striking amendment were debated—one for quite some time—before representatives passed a bill modifying intended cannabis tax revenue appropriations.
After rulemaking and legislative updates, Chair David Postman had a lot to say about committee changes to the last moving cannabinoid regulation and enforcement bill - none of it flattering.
Given two proposed substitutes on a bill to regulate cannabinoids, almost the entire committee voted for a more limited version to get some cannabinoid products off the shelves and study the issues.
A last-minute hearing on a repackaged bill to regulate synthesized cannabinoids revealed shared public health concerns but testimony otherwise remained just as sharply divided.
Senators voted in favor of “raising our consciousness a bit” by replacing the freighted phrase ‘marijuana’ in state laws and rules with the more scientifically appropriate term ‘cannabis.’
Revised rules requiring pesticide testing for cannabis products were finally adopted by the board, and a variety of critical public remarks preceded a lengthy response from the chair.
Staff explained the session was “coming to an end” and discussed active legislation—including a new cannabinoid regulation bill–as well as budget provisos which could affect WSLCB.
Staff briefed on a bill with complex changes to recommended cannabis tax appropriations before testimony emphasized benefits for transparency, social equity, and local governments.
Testimony on a bill to exempt registered medical cannabis patients from the excise tax on DOH compliant products was supportive and elicited several questions from lawmakers.