USA - Washington

A panel from the State Patrol reviewed their work supporting local law enforcement to identify and undermine criminal organizations growing cannabis in Washington.

An organic-equivalent standard remained elusive, but a WSDA official and WSU researcher offered ideas regarding hemp and cannabis regulation before responding to attendee comments.

A selection of events reflecting the diversity and complexity of the Cannabis sativa plant were scheduled by the WSLCB, WSU, WTSC, DOH, and Cannabis Alliance during the week.

Representatives of WSLCB and the Department of Ecology briefed the committee about ongoing research and cleanup of legacy pesticide soil contamination in central Washington.

Board members adopted final rules for THC regulation, hosted a public hearing on cannabis product samples, and started a project on Employee Stock Ownership Plans.

Staff provided rulemaking updates and reviewed actions set for the next day including THC regulation, identification reform, product samples, and a new type of employee benefit plan.

WSLCB staff postponed several rulemaking projects before the Board enabled cannabis businesses to accept checks then heard comments in the aftermath of the Kim Potter debacle.

The WSDA Pesticide Advisory Board would discuss the Endangered Species Act on Monday before a full week of scheduled rulemaking and leadership updates at the WSLCB.

A cannabis postdoc presented research on state-level budtender requirements, eliciting specific interests of board members and agency research staff on implementing training policies.

State legislators and healthcare policy leaders planned to participate in a University of Washington conference on substance use and addiction clinical care, research, and education.