Hemp is legal in Washington State and Whitman County considers its moratorium.
Hemp production is now “a legal, agricultural activity in this state.” Governor Jay Inslee signed Engrossed Second Substitute SB 5276 (E2SSB 5276) on Friday April 26th and the new law became effective immediately.
Here’s a look at the week ahead.
TODAY: On Monday at 1:30pm PT @ the Whitman County Courthouse, the Whitman County Commissioners reconvene their regular meeting to host a “Marijuana Moratorium Hearing” and “Decision” (agenda). According to the legal notice posted in the Whitman County Gazette,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Whitman County Commissioners have set the date of Monday, April 29, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. in their Chambers, Courthouse, Colfax, Washington, to consider repealing, extending or modifying the moratorium placed on the establishment, location, operation, licensing or maintenance of facilities, businesses, or any other activities involving the production, processing, or wholesale or retail sale of recreational marijuana or marijuana- infused products.
Any person may appear and be heard for or against this issue.
See the Moscow-Pullman Daily News’ coverage of the moratorium ordinance approved on March 4th. The ordinance itself was published in the minutes of the Commissioners March 4th meeting along with summaries of public testimony for and against the ban from amongst the more than fifty people who attended that public meeting.
TUESDAY: On Tuesday at 10am PT @ the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB), the weekly Board Caucus recurs. The agenda has been posted and Cannabis Observer will be present.
WEDNESDAY: On Wednesday at 10am PT @ the WSLCB, the bi-weekly Board Meeting is scheduled to occur. The agenda and handout documents have been posted.
These meetings are broadcast and recorded, and offer an opportunity to publicly and formally address the three board members. Speakers have four minutes to address any topic of their choosing. The board members rarely engage, and consider it more of a listening opportunity. Sign up for “General Public Comment” as you enter the board room.
As part of the upcoming WSLCB agency move to a different facility in Olympia, the board has asked that preparations be made to enable remote testimony from specific locations around the state. The Washington State Senate has implemented a remote testimony program which WSLCB intended to learn from, but a pilot program is more likely to garner attention after the agency move in early summer.
At 1:30pm PT @ WSLCB, the three-member Board and agency leadership convene their weekly Executive Management Team meeting. Cannabis Observer will be present.