Social equity licensing work group members planned to devote time to understanding the prevalence of ban and moratorium jurisdictions before discussing “Possible Solutions.”
Here’s a look at cannabis-related policymaking events on the calendar in the week ahead.
Monday August 23rd
At publication time, no cannabis-related policymaking events were scheduled.
Tuesday August 24th
WSLCB - Board Caucus
On Tuesday at 10am PT, the weekly Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Board Caucus was scheduled to recur.
- [ Event Details ]
WA HCA - DBHR Listening Session
On Tuesday at 1:30pm PT, the monthly Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) Behavioral Health Service Provider Listening Session was scheduled to recur.
- [ Event Details ]
- The event announcement noted, “The Medicaid state plan is a contract between Washington State and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Section 13.d of the Medicaid state plan outlines how mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) services can be billed as Medicaid encounters. Originally the Medicaid state plan was developed when substance use disorder and mental health services were provided by two separate state agencies. Due to behavioral health integration and significant law changes section, 13.d of the state plan will change. The change will help to clarify the language regarding integrated services but will not add additional services. The provider listening session will give you an opportunity to learn about the change and ask questions about how it will effect your work.”
Wednesday August 25th
WA SECTF - Work Group - Licensing
On Wednesday at 1pm PT, the Washington State Legislative Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis Licensing Work Group (WA SECTF - Work Group - Licensing) was scheduled to convene.
- [ Event Details ]
- The licensing work group last met on June 30th and discussed the state of the industry from the perspective of producers, processors, and retailers. Participants also learned about the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Medical Marijuana Program. Members generally agreed that the number of retail licenses available for social equity applicants should be increased.
- According to the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting, discussion would center on the subject of ban and moratorium jurisdictions which prohibit or otherwise restrict licensure or implementation of licensure of cannabis businesses. Task force staff would provide background, WSLCB Licensing staff would provide an “Interpretation of Authority and Outreach Measures,” and the balance of the meeting would focus on “Possible Solutions to Ban and Moratorium issue.”
- A 2014 opinion by the Washington State Office of the Attorney General (WA OAG) established that “Local governments have broad authority to regulate within their jurisdictions, and nothing in I-502 limits that authority with respect to licensed marijuana businesses.“
- WSLCB Licensing staff provided a briefing to WSLCB board members on the subject of ban and moratorium jurisdictions on May 25th which included discussion of outreach to local jurisdictions.
- According to WSLCB data from September 2020, of 35 available retail license allotments held for social equity applicants, 20 were tied to jurisdictions with formal or effective bans.
Thursday August 26th
At publication time, no cannabis-related policymaking events were scheduled.
Friday August 27th
At publication time, no cannabis-related policymaking events were scheduled.