The Week Ahead (September 12, 2022)

It could be a controversial week for cannabis policy in Washington state given debates around social equity rules and research concerns about “High THC Cannabis Products.”

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

Monday September 12th

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

Tuesday September 13th

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 ]
In addition to preparing for rulemaking at the subsequent day’s board meeting, members would also hear background on a new cannabis compact with the Spokane Tribe of Indians, the 22nd such compact created between the state and one of the 29 federally recognized tribal nations in Washington state.
- On September 7th, board members ratified a compact with the Hoh Tribe of Indians.
The recent push to endorse multiple compacts was likely related to the departure of long-time Director of Legislative Relations Chris Thompson from the agency, who also acted as Tribal Liaison. The first review of applications for the open position was scheduled to occur today.

Wednesday September 14th

WSLCB - Board Meeting

On Wednesday at 10am PT, the bi-weekly WSLCB Board Meeting was scheduled to recur.

[ Event Details ]
In a somewhat surprising move, agency staff planned to ask board members to withdraw the CR-101 on the Cannabinoid Regulation rulemaking project on Wednesday.
- As noted in the draft board approval for the withdrawal, “After reviewing the conceptual draft rules shared with the public during the Listen and Learn Forum, and considering the totality of public comments received during both the public comment period and the Listen & Learn Forum, agency staff find that additional definitions related to the production and/or processing of cannabis products should be introduced through legislation.”
- While the draft conceptual rules shared by agency staff at the listen and learn forum revealed uncertainty about the scope and purpose of the rulemaking effort, other considerations, such as an influx of rulemaking petitions and new rulemaking projects, may have prompted deference to legislative guidance.
  - However, two Regulatory Analyst roles were also recently posted by agency staff.
  - And WSLCB staff had been preparing agency request legislation for review by the Governor’s Office to be submitted by Friday September 16th, including draft “THC Regulation” legislation.
On Wednesday, WSLCB staff also planned to host a public hearing on the proposed rules associated with the Social Equity rulemaking project.
And Wednesday would be the first opportunity for the board to hear public comment following the announcement on Friday September 2nd that agency enforcement officers participated in a “special operation” against two unlicensed cannabis markets based on an investigation that began after public accusations levied during public comment at prior WSLCB board meetings.

WSLCB - Executive Management Team

On Wednesday at 1:30pm PT, the three-member Board and agency leadership were scheduled to convene their monthly WSLCB Executive Management Team (EMT) meeting.

[ Event Details ]

Thursday September 15th

WA Hemp in Food Task Force - Meeting

On Thursday at 1pm PT, the Washington State Hemp in Food Task Force (WA Hemp in Food Task Force) was scheduled to convene.

[ Event Details ]
Following an abbreviated meeting on August 31st and the cancellation of a meeting on September 7th, task force members planned to convene anew on Thursday. Members would likely hear a previously postponed survey of other state and national policies, updates from two established work groups, and discuss the timeline for drafting a required report to state legislators.

Friday September 16th

UW ADAI - Symposium - 2022

On Friday at 9am PT, the University of Washington Addictions, Drugs, and Alcohol Institute (UW ADAI) planned to host a symposium on “High-THC Cannabis in Legal Regulated Markets.”

[ Event Details ]
At publication time, UW ADAI was arguably the premier publicly funded research institution in Washington state studying the risks and harms of cannabis use. Looked to by both legislators and regulators for guidance, the symposium would bring together a group of frequently cited researchers to share their perspectives and findings. In addition, public officials would be granted an opportunity to share comments at this in-person and broadcast event.