USA - Washington

In the final week before the start of the 2025 regular session, regulators prepared to hear briefings on the legislative agendas of their respective agencies and partner organizations.

WACA members had a myriad of questions for former WSLCB Board Chair David Postman as he assumed a new post as Chief of Staff for the incoming Attorney General.

State officials embraced the end of year break and planned no cannabis-related policymaking activity for the first week of 2025.

State officials embraced the end of year break and planned no cannabis-related policymaking activity for the final weeks of 2024.

Leaders and the public welcomed a board member to their new post as Chair, plus rulemaking  and petition actions included adoption of social equity rules which drew criticism in public comments.

A briefing for the committee covered the equity licensing process at WSLCB, consultation by the Office of Equity, along with technical assistance and grants from WA Commerce.

As activity wrapped for the holidays, WSLCB board members planned to complete social equity work but all other rulemaking activity would be trimmed or further delayed into 2025.

An epidemiologist spoke to her research on THC concentrations and mental health outcomes among adolescents, including a longitudinal study from the UK, before taking questions.

Proposed social equity program changes garnered a mix of support and criticism during their hearing, plus almost all public comments reflected doubt WSLCB would improve the situation.

Legislators planned to host work sessions in advance of the 2025 session which would occasion the final convening of the House Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee.