USA - Washington

The Board approved draft rules which would coordinate public health messaging re: cannabis use during pregnancy and heard testimony suggesting WSLCB resource more important work than chasing after advertising complaints.

Change is afoot and felt by the Board, including rule changes supported by the Department of Health.

Home grow could be resurrected on the marijuana labeling bill, the courts have a high estimate to vacate misdemeanor possession convictions, and the WSLCB’s preferred enforcement restructuring bill moved ahead in the Senate.

The hemp bills, the lab accreditation bill, and the House version of the WSLCB enforcement reform bill made it out of their fiscal committees.

The Board’s concerns about the agency’s legislative program were heard + contentious enforcement and compliance reform bills SHB 1237 and SSB 5318 are moving.

The agency has a new Deputy Director and quite a few bills on their plate.

Observations on the evolution of a bill which would enable Washington farmers to participate in the federal hemp program authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill.

On Thursday, the Washington State House Commerce and Gaming Committee (WA House COG) amended and moved HB 1237, HB 1466, and HB 1974 out of committee with “do pass” recommendations.

On Thursday, the Washington State Senate Law and Justice Committee (WA Senate LAW) recommended confirmation of the 2016 gubernatorial appointment of Russ Hauge as Chair of the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

On Wednesday, the Washington State Senate Labor and Commerce Committee (WA Senate LBRC) moved substitute bills for SB 5318, SB 5298, and SB 5296.