USA - Washington

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.

A second workshop to get responses to draft lab accreditation rules dealt with questions about the costs and process behind DOE staff taking over lab authority from WSLCB.

Senate cannabis policy committee members planned to convene an interim work session on biometric age verification while the WSLCB board hosted regularly scheduled meetings.

As JLARC staff prepared a mandated study of the state cannabis market, lawmakers sought to understand what was being studied - and suggest additional topics for inclusion.

A mostly new team at the DOH Medical Cannabis Program solicited feedback on potential revisions to rules on compliant products, testing, labeling, and logos.

A legislative briefing outlined expected topics in 2024; a policy and rules update touched on work groups, rulemaking, and staffing; the recently-hired director kept his “internal” focus.