USA - Washington

Three Democratic state legislators shared their views on research and pushing legislation around cannabis products with high cannabinoid concentrations, if re-elected.

Larger cultural movements surfaced in the microcosm of cannabis policymaking as senators heard about retail theft and safety experts considered their goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2030.

Just as social equity rulemaking at WSLCB was concluded, a report alleging abusive behavior by a former task force leader reinvigorated lingering public skepticism over agency progress.

As the initial social equity effort was prepared for completion, staff looked ahead to rulemaking projects, a new petition, and two agency work groups being set up.

A research analysis portrayed cannabis consumption, particularly among youth, as one of the top “environmental factors that need to be considered” in mental health policymaking.

WSLCB board members were scheduled to take an important step towards addressing social equity after hearing from public health officials and researchers on cannabis product packaging.

A presentation on consumption habits among young adults in Washington described negative health effects, poor academic outcomes, and suicidal thoughts attributed to cannabis use disorder.

A WSU researcher described results of two studies she conducted on cannabis consumption and memory, sharing that her hypothesis on the impacts of concentrates hadn’t been validated.

Two work groups presented draft recommendations to the full task force covering product scope and requirements, as well as definitions for ‘hemp extract’ and classification of cannabinoids.

As the WA Hemp in Food Task Force continued honing recommendations, WSLCB staff would host a new “world café” event to gather feedback on canopy before issuing proposed rules.