USA - Washington

Officials and licensees alike moved to squeeze in policy-related meetings between the end of year holidays as pre-filing for the 2025-26 biennial state legislative session opened on Monday.

A data brief on CHS prepared by staff analyzed patterns in cannabis use not previously studied, leading to questions about further investigation of the condition from the acting board chair.

A few events may get stuffed in ahead of November holidays, including an advocacy training by leading public health officials which was “not open to anyone from the Cannabis industry.”

A Yale University cannabis researcher who examined the interplay between cannabis and psychosis delved into his studies and findings before responding to attendee questions.

Two petitions were denied, new delays in rulemaking were announced although language for two projects was forthcoming, and the public both praised and condemned the outgoing chair.

Implications of the 2024 election began to come into focus for agency leaders who received rulemaking updates before learning more about the unexpected departure of the board chair.

A seemingly straightforward policymaking week was freighted with new urgency following the announcement that WSLCB Board Chair David Postman had been appointed to a new role.

A keynote presenter offered historical context while summarizing academic literature on cannabis and psychosis before addressing prevention, treatment, and answering attendee questions.

WSLCB leaders offered reasons why the State Auditor’s 2018 traceability and project management recommendations hadn’t been implemented before facing critical public testimony.

Following Veterans’ Day reflection and gratitude, WSLCB leaders were scheduled to convene a monthly EMT meeting without former Director of Enforcement and Education Chandra Wax.