The Week Ahead
(November 18, 2024)

David Postman Appointment - WSLCB to WA OAG

A seemingly straightforward policymaking week was freighted with new urgency following the announcement that WSLCB Board Chair David Postman had been appointed to a new role.

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

Monday November 18th

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

Tuesday November 19th

WSLCB - Board Caucus

On Tuesday at 10am PT, the weekly Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Board Caucus was scheduled to recur.

WSU CCPRO - Cannabis Research Seminar

On Tuesday at 4pm PT, the Washington State University Center for Cannabis Policy, Research, and Outreach (WSU CCPRO) would host a lecture in the Cannabis Research Seminar Series.

Wednesday November 20th

WSLCB - Board Meeting

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

  • [ Event Details ]
  • On Wednesday, members were scheduled to consider two rulemaking petitions during what may turn out to be the last WSLCB board meeting chaired by David Postman.
  • Traceability Platform [ Rulemaking Petition ]
  • Payment Flexibility [ Rulemaking Petition ]
    • Filed on October 14th in response to the adoption of final rules on Payment Flexibility allowing for the use of checks in non-retail-to-retail transactions—rules that went into effect on October 26th—the petitioner, Fabian Toader of Green Labs LLC, welcomed the change but protested “the new rule requiring checks to be deposited within five days of receipt.”
  • Lab Authority Transfer [ Rulemaking Project ]
    • Previously, WSLCB staff projected action on Wednesday towards rescinding rules on analytical testing lab quality standards and accreditation which the agency would no longer have statutory authority over as of January 1st, 2025.
    • Director of Policy and External Affairs Justin Nordhorn visited with Cannabis Alliance members during their general meeting on Thursday November 14th.  In response to a question about rulemaking delays leading to conflicts in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) between the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and WSLCB, Nordhorn attempted to alleviate concerns by saying that the authorities established in statute would control matters of interpretation.
      • However, Nordhorn also indicated the rulemaking delays were in part a result of WSLCB chemists expressing concerns that WSDA rules were not comprehensive enough for their liking.
      • It was unclear what gaps in WSDA rules were perceived by WSLCB staff - and what could happen if a lingering WSLCB rule were applied to circumstances perceived as falling into such a gap.
  • The week ahead would likely be Board Chair David Postman’s last at the WSLCB.
    • On Wednesday November 13th, the Washington State Office of the Attorney General (WA OAG) published an announcement of the appointment of “key leadership positions” in Attorney General-Elect Nick Brown’s team.  It specified, “Laura Watson will serve as Chief Deputy Attorney General, David Postman will serve as Chief of Staff, and Noah Purcell will serve as Solicitor General” before describing Postman’s prior roles as Chief of Staff for Governor Inslee and his “26-year career as an award-winning journalist.”
      • Somewhat curiously, no mention was made of his active role as Chair of the WSLCB.
    • That same morning, Postman had announced his departure to WSLCB staff broadly and some interested parties.  He indicated, “This was unexpected for me. I worked with Nick in the governor’s office, and I couldn’t decline a chance to help him and his team in what will certainly be trying times. I’m thankful that Nick believes I have something to offer and was honored when he asked me to come work in the Office of the Attorney General.”
    • At the conclusion of the WSLCB Executive Management Team (EMT) meeting on Wednesday afternoon, Director Will Lukela thanked Postman for his service, prompting the outgoing Chair to indicate that he anticipated this week would be his last (audio - 1m, video - TVW, video - WSLCB).
      • It’s Cannabis Observer’s understanding that Postman’s continued employment at WSLCB would introduce a conflict with simultaneous employment within the WA OAG given the Office provides services to the Board - one of several reasons for an expeditious transition.
    • After the departure of Postman, WSLCB board activity would likely continue uninterrupted with the remaining two board members.  But any absences would break quorum, forcing meeting cancellations.
    • The chair of the WSLCB, like all board members, is appointed by the Governor.
      • It’s Cannabis Observer’s understanding that both Inslee and Governor-Elect Bob Ferguson’s administrations had been informed of the change.  While a search for a new chair would likely begin immediately, it was probable that an appointment would be reserved for the new Governor.
      • Reportedly, Ferguson was scheduled to be inaugurated on January 15th.
    • Postman’s six-year term as Chair began on March 15th, 2021.  He had been expected to remain at the agency until January 2027.
      • Relatedly, Board Member Jim Vollendroff previously hinted publicly that he did not expect to fulfill all six years of his term.

WA Pharmacy Commission Legislative Task Force - Public Meeting

On Wednesday at 3:30pm PT, the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission Legislative Task Force (WA Pharmacy Commission Legislative Task Force) was scheduled to convene.

  • [ Event Details ]
  • Established in 1891, the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (WA Pharmacy Commission) regulates the practice of pharmacy, and the distribution, manufacturing, and delivery of pharmaceuticals within and into the state. The commission protects and promotes public health and safety by issuing licenses, registrations, and certifications to qualified persons and entities and responding to complaints or reports of unprofessional conduct. The Commission is assigned the authority to enforce and change the schedule of controlled substances in Washington state.
  • The Commission previously organized a legislative committee consisting of all members which heard updates on State legislative activity and coordinated actions.  That group was disbanded after the 2023 session.  In 2024, the commission organized less formal but effectively identical legislative review meetings.
  • Thursday would be the first public meeting of a “Legislative Task Force” which was scheduled to host a “Review and Discussion of Legislative Topics and Priorities.”

Thursday November 21st

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

Friday November 22nd

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