Members of the public criticized WSLCB's extension of a traceability contract as well as hidden ownership violations.
Here are some observations from the Wednesday July 25th Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Board Meeting. The only cannabis-relevant items in this meeting were public comments by Jim MacRae and Don Skakie.
My top 2 takeaways:
- Jim MacRae of Straight Line Analytics critiqued the MJ Freeway contract renewal (transcript, video).
- MacRae stated that since the end of January, “the number of overall bugs in the system has increased from 150 to about 450.”
- MacRae stated that “the number of high and critical severity bugs had doubled in the same period of time…and with, by the way, at last reported indication, 12 critical severity bugs in the system”
- MacRae stated that “two or three key components that are very obvious to people are, I believe, as of today, not yet live in the system. Those include the ability for businesses to report revenue on the system to a standard that is accessible, appropriate for taxes to be calculated”
- MacRae observed that “the wholesaler data has basically, has not been updated since February even at the…revenue level.”
- His closing assessment of the contract renewal: “this is effectively throwing good taxpayer money after bad.”
- Don Skakie asked the Board to revoke licenses associated with hidden ownership violations (transcript, video).
- Skakie asked the Board to “enforce the rules as they exist” rather than offer amnesty for violations.
- Skakie suggested that this would “set an example for future licensees” to reduce the likelihood of such violations in the future.