USA - Washington

Staff provided updates on rulemaking projects and previewed presentations set for the following day on THC serving size, lab authority, and a patient excise tax exemption.

A WSLCB staffer briefed on the popularity and health risks of high THC products as well as outreach to interested parties in a search for policy alternatives.

It’s a busy week with next steps on the social equity program, substantial rulemaking, medical cannabis testing, high THC products, along with cannabis consumer and budtender education.

Staff and attendees traded ideas for collaboration around messaging and regulation of high THC items, along with developing more respectful dialogue between industry and public health groups.

Revisions to the social equity program scoring rubric were shared by staff and board members promised there would be more chances for public input before any changes were adopted.

Concerns about youth substance use and high THC products predominated agendas at multiple agencies, but perspectives of public health and prevention interests remained hidden.

No cannabis policymaking events were scheduled during the Fourth of July holiday week as officials granted themselves a respite from busy rulemaking calendars.

Participants had so much feedback for WSLCB staff soliciting ideas on education and policy changes related to high THC cannabis products that officials considered additional meetings.

The board decided to lower public commenter time, a new draft of the social equity scoring rubric was under development, and a member attended a drug policy conference in Québec.

The board was presented with a rulemaking petition on packaging and three on social equity license mobility; they approved updates for medical cannabis endorsements and heard public comments.