USA - Washington

Work group members organized a presentation on the policy history and state arrest data related to residential home grows before drafting a recommendation to the task force.

WSLCB board members had a full slate of planned and requested rulemaking to initiate or deny just prior to the fourth meeting of the Washington State Hemp in Food Task Force.

The social equity task force was scheduled to consider recommendations from two work groups and take positions on WSLCB draft legislation - but would not publicly discuss changes to DIAs.

Agency leaders talked about progress towards a social equity program, Canadian research on cannabis use and access, and various outreach engagements.

Members introduced themselves before debating the background and scope of their mandated report, though many were predisposed to laying the groundwork for legislation in 2023.

The committee reviewed background and amendments on multiple cannabis bills targeting worker retention and training; creation of a city social equity license; and a “Cannabis Needs Assessment.”

Seattle Councilmembers would consider a trio of bills on worker and social equity in the cannabis sector and the Hemp in Food Task Force planned to convene for the third time.

A legislative affairs update featured the first public remarks on draft request legislation for 2023 covering “THC regulation,” social equity, and subpoena authority for cannabis investigations.

Work group members supported an expanded role for WSDA in regulating cannabis production, but only after study and planning around costs and implications for equity in the market.

WSLCB leadership would likely review draft agency request bills on “THC Regulation,” “Social Equity,” and “Subpoena Authority” while home grow was on the agenda at the social equity task force.