USA - Washington

Challenges of technology modernization; updates on public health and research; plus Enforcement and Education were among the meeting’s conversation topics.

As WSLCB prepared to allow minors on licensed business premises, City of Lynnwood officials would receive a visit from their state legislator about their intention to open up to cannabis retail.

While federal barriers to researching “stateside” cannabis remained, the board learned about the first Research Roundtable regarding challenges around studying contemporary cannabis.

Public health officials in Washington state prepared to roll out an unprecedented array of engagements with cannabis stakeholders, targeting budtenders in particular.

The board established the power of the agency Director to initiate some rulemaking projects, heard about the social equity licensing window, and approved three rule actions.

While WACA conferees fêted, the WSLCB Board would undertake significant rulemaking and policy shifts; and public health and prevention interests would reconsider strategy.

Compliance dashboards requested by public health and prevention interests were presented to board members who questioned data about youth access to cannabis and other substances.

As budget cuts impacted many state agencies, a few cannabis-related programs involving health and testing received reduced spending as Governor Ferguson signed his first operating budget.

The Governor signed legislation changing cannabis retail advertising law, setting into motion rulemaking at the State level and opening up local control of trade name signs.

Discussion between the board and staff touched on a cannabis market study, future agency request legislation, social equity, licensing delays, research data, and legislative implementation.