USA - Washington

Staff presented a Quarterly Cannabis and Vapor Rules Review, an Investigator Unit Team Update, and several interesting updates from Director Rick Garza.

Board members approved an interim rule and CR-101 for Retail Title Certificates and opened rulemaking for vapor products.

Licensing staff briefed on the retail title certificate program before the Board learned about the agency's contracting process and equity programs in other legal cannabis markets.

The Board voted to expand an interim policy on quarantine, adopted two CR-102s on forfeiture and 2017 cannabis legislation rules, and passed a CR-101 to start a rule project on 2018 cannabis legislation rules.

Board members prepared for the next board meeting, heard about possible vapor regulatory and legislative changes, and discussed how to better incorporate research into the agency's rule development process.

Board members had an executive session on litigation against the agency, heard about progress towards implementing a retail license forfeiture program, and discussed a recent trip to Washington D.C. which included WSLCB leadership.

The Deputy Director surveyed ongoing projects and the Board reviewed the packaging and labeling public hearing and 2017 omnibus cannabis legislation.

Without a quorum, the Board could not take action on some rulemaking, though a public hearing on packaging and labeling rules went ahead and a former board member spoke during public comment about 'white labeling.'

Members were prepared for rulemaking at the Board's next public meeting and discussed the limits of support for the legal cannabis industry versus promotion of specific trade groups and businesses.

Staff explained developments around traceability and WSLCB Enforcement's draft policy on administrative visits to licensees.