WA Governor - Bill Action
(March 21, 2018)

Wednesday March 21, 2018 10:30 AM - 12:15 PM Observed
Washington State Executive Department Seal

The Washington State Office of the Governor (WA Governor) hosts public bill signing ceremonies in response to the passage of legislation by the Washington State Legislature.

Bill Signing

  • HB 2334 - "Regulating the use of cannabinoid additives in marijuana products."

Observations

The governor approved a “consumer protection measure” so that imported CBD would be tested prior to use in legal cannabis items.

Here are some observations from the Wednesday March 21st, 2018 Washington State Office of the Governor (WA Governor) Bill Action.

My top 3 takeaways:

  • Legislation to allow importation of cannabidiol (CBD) for use as a cannabis product additive arrived at the governor’s desk following an erratic trek during the 2018 legislative session.
  • Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 2334 into law flanked by Sawyer and Representative Laurie Dolan (audio - 1m, video).
    • Inslee checked with staff and Sawyer as to the proper pronunciation of “cannabidiol” after first reading it as “canna-bud-oil,” a problem WA House staff encountered during floor action on the bill leading to a light moment for that chamber. After several attempts, Inslee noted, “we know what we’re talking about.”
    • He said CBD products were “believed to have potential health benefits” and that “some of these products come from outside of our regulated marijuana system and are not currently being tested for quality assurance.” Inslee stated that passing HB 2334 into law ensured “that these products are safe by requiring they be tested for contaminants and toxins by an accredited testing laboratory.”
    • Just before signing the session law, the governor thanked “Representative Sawyer for this consumer protection measure."
  • Following affixture of Inslee’s signature and filing with the Washington Secretary of State on March 23rd, the law took effect on July 1st, 2018 as RCW 69.50.326, and required the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) to implement rulemaking to enact the statute.
    • RCW 69.50.326(3) established that WSLCB officials “may enact rules necessary to implement the requirements of this section.”
      • “Such rule making is limited to regulations pertaining to laboratory testing and product safety standards for those cannabidiol products used by licensed producers and processors in the manufacture of marijuana products marketed by licensed retailers under chapter 69.50 RCW.”
      • The rules were meant to “ensure the safety and purity of cannabidiol products used by marijuana producers and processors” and authority for the rules did “not include the authority to enact rules regarding either the production or processing practices of the industrial hemp industry or any cannabidiol products that are sold or marketed outside” the system of regulated cannabis under the purview of WSLCB staff.
    • On April 4th, two weeks after the bill was made a law, WSLCB board members approved opening a CR-101 on a rulemaking project to begin implementation of the statute.

Engagement Options

In-Person

Legislative Building, Sid Snyder Avenue Southwest, Olympia, WA, USA

Information Set