USA - Washington

After a brief rulemaking update, staff detailed a revised process for reviewing petitions before presenting a batch tracking request, then heard supportive and accusatory public remarks.

Members reviewed already-submitted edits and suggested final changes to WSLCB recommendations on THC detectability, lab technology, product safety, and future topics.

Staff heard stakeholder feedback as they hoped to simplify cannabis sample rules while also improving accountability around how product samples were utilized within the sector.

WSLCB board members were scheduled to consider a comparatively obscured rulemaking petition on “batch tracking” during a busy fall week for cannabis policymaking.

Presenting a report on cannabis health and safety outcomes, staff detailed patterns and limitations in their data as board members asked about the findings and future WSIPP studies.

Before leaving WSLCB, the Research Unit leader went over how remaining staff would arrange research topics, offer guidance on outlet density, and take over a key work group.

Updates on two subgroups included a rehashing of why some technologies and testing regimes had been favored by a prior task force as staff looked ahead to finalizing recommendations.

The WSLCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group planned to publicly review their draft recommendations on quantifying “any detectable amount of THC.”

An update on retail social equity licensing preceded public comments that ranged from praise of the process to accusations of corruption and conflicts of interest.

Board members heard a few rulemaking updates before reflecting on the development of the Research Unit and the impending departure of a rulemaking and research leader at WSLCB.