USA - Washington

Following tumultuous public comment the week prior, the WSLCB Board and staff planned to focus on draft revisions to the social equity licensing program to incorporate lessons learned.

Staff went into specifics on payment flexibility and an excise tax exemption for patients during rulemaking updates as a five year strategic plan for WSLCB neared completion.

After a full week of WSLCB board activity, the Cannabis Alliance planned to host the ninth annual Washington State Cannabis Summit to engage with contemporary cannabis issues.

Efforts to draft improved cannabis testing and additive rules drew skepticism and questions from attendees worried about testing standards, synthetic cannabinoids, enforcement, and more.

Staff went over a reorganization at WSDA including hemp and cannabis programs; the transition of lab standards and accreditation authority; plus tips for hemp licensees.

The final pre-proposal focus group on the 2023 THC bill rulemaking was scheduled for Thursday, yet several addressable issues remained detectable after ten months of effort.

Following a thorough review of social equity program applicant status, staff added new details to an equity rulemaking project and heard from citizens concerned with its rollout.

Cannabis rulemaking was reviewed, including specifics on implementing a patient excise tax exemption at endorsed stores, and a new survey of social equity program applicants.

As the WSLCB Policy and Rules team jettisoned previously planned public engagements to accommodate backlogged work, WSDA staff would review their expanding cannabis programs.

Public health and prevention interests expressed during a closed meeting with WSLCB leaders the previous day were top of mind for board members during the caucus.