The Week Ahead
(December 27, 2021)

Cannabis Dollar

There were no cannabis-related events scheduled for the final week of 2021, but new bills for the 2022 session continued to be pre-filed on topics including out-of-state ownership.

Here’s a look at cannabis-related policymaking events on the calendar in the week ahead.

Monday December 27th

At publication time, no cannabis-related policymaking events were scheduled.

Tuesday December 28th

WSLCB - Board Caucus

The weekly Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Board Caucus was cancelled.

Wednesday December 29th

At publication time, no cannabis-related policymaking events were scheduled.

Thursday December 30th

At publication time, no cannabis-related policymaking events were scheduled.

Friday December 31st

The State of Washington recognizes the New Year's holiday.

2022 WA Legislative Session

The short session of the 2021-22 biennium was scheduled to begin on Monday January 10th, 2022. Inactive cannabis-related bills from the 2021 session would be re-introduced in their house of origin and pre-filing of new bills began Monday December 6th.

Cannabis-Related Legislation - Pre-Filed (5)

HB 1667 - “Concerning ownership of cannabis-related businesses.”

  • [ Legislation ]
  • Sponsors: Sharon Wylie
  • Previous Step: pre-filed (Dec 20)
  • Next Step: introduction (Jan 10)

HB 1668 - “Expanding regulatory authority over cannabinoids that may be impairing and providing for enhanced product safety and consumer information disclosure about marijuana products.”

  • [ Legislation ]
  • Requested By: WSLCB
  • Sponsors (2): Shelley Kloba, Sharon Wylie
  • Companion: SB 5547
  • Previous Step: pre-filed (Dec 20)
  • Next Step: introduction (Jan 10)
  • One of two highly anticipated agency request bills from WSLCB, this bill would grant the board broad authority to regulate all “cannabinoids that may be impairing.” In crafting that authority, this 20-page bill would rewrite many fundamental definitions underpinning the Initiative 502 marketplace.

HB 1681 - “Modifying the requirements for vacating conviction records.”

  • [ Legislation ]
  • Sponsors (2): Tarra Simmons, Drew Hansen
  • Previous Step: pre-filed (Dec 21)
  • Next Step: introduction (Jan 10)

SB 5517 - “Concerning employment of individuals who lawfully consume cannabis.”

  • [ Legislation ]
  • Sponsors (2): Karen Keiser, Rebecca Saldaña
  • Previous Step: pre-filed (Dec 8)
  • Next Step: introduction (Jan 10)
  • With some exceptions, the bill would make it unlawful to refuse to hire or fire an employee should the results of a drug screening test indicate the presence of cannabis.

SB 5547 - “Expanding regulatory authority over cannabinoids that may be impairing and providing for enhanced product safety and consumer information disclosure about marijuana products.”

  • [ Legislation ]
  • Requested By: WSLCB
  • Sponsors (2): Karen Keiser, Mark Schoesler
  • Companion: HB 1668
  • Previous Step: pre-filed (Dec 16)
  • Next Step: introduction (Jan 10)

Cannabis-Related Legislation - Inactive (13)

HB 1019 - “Allowing residential marijuana agriculture.”

HB 1105 - “Concerning arrest protections for the medical use of cannabis.”

HB 1210 - “Replacing the term ‘marijuana’ with the term ‘cannabis’ throughout the Revised Code of Washington.”

  • [ Legislation ]
  • Last Step: calendared by WA Senate RULE on Saturday April 10th

HB 1260 - “Concerning the development of the marijuana market.”

  • [ Legislation ]
  • Last Step: pro forma first reading and referral to WA House COG on Monday January 18th

HB 1345 - “Concerning the regulation of products sold to adults age 21 and over.”

HB 1414 - “Aligning marijuana licensing decisions by the liquor and cannabis board with local zoning ordinances.”

HB 1463 - “Addressing serious mental health consequences of high-potency cannabis products by regulating the sale of cannabis concentrates.”

HB 1499 - “Providing behavioral health system responses to individuals with substance use disorder.”

SB 5004 - “Providing a tax exemption for medical marijuana patients.”

SB 5035 - “Concerning offender scoring of drug offenses.”

  • [ Legislation ]
  • Last Step: pro forma first reading and referral to WA House PS on Saturday February 27th

SB 5129 - “Concerning the possession of vapor, vapor products, tobacco, and tobacco products by minors.”

SB 5266 - “Concerning the regulation of products sold to adults age 21 and over.”

SB 5365 - “Establishing a Washington state cannabis commission.”