USA - Washington

Legislators appeared in no hurry to consider cannabis-related bills from the opposite house but regulatory bodies planned to provide updates and signal research directions.

A senate interview with new WSLCB Board Member Pete Holmes offered insights on Friday and eight cannabis-related bills remained active in the second half of the 2025 regular session.

As bills remaining through cutoff were shuffled between chambers, legislators in renewed committee meetings would hear from the newest WSLCB board member and outspoken agriculture researchers.

Following the advance of three cannabis bills before the House of Origin Cutoff on Wednesday, new omnibus legislation incorporating concepts from four bills was slated for introduction.

Representatives passed the production unionization bill on Tuesday night whereas four cannabis-related bills were well positioned in the Senate on Wednesday but at risk from the House of Origin Cutoff at 5pm.

The board contemplated significant reductions in both the number and variety of agency events open to the public, including board meetings, caucuses, and executive management team meetings.

WSLCB request legislation granting access to patient identifiers was passed by the House and all five cannabis bills needing to be advanced before the cutoff on Wednesday were positioned for floor action.

As the legislature raced ahead, other entities would be addressing product samples, medical cannabis, the retail ban in Lynnwood, and a new ethics policy at WSLCB.

As the third cutoff gateway of the 2025 regular session approached on Wednesday, the aperture for advancement narrowed quickly for six cannabis-related bills, only two of which were well positioned.

As the Senate adjourned until Monday and no cannabis-related legislation was positioned for action in the House on Saturday, opportunities for five bills remaining in chamber rules committees had narrowed.