Observations

WSLCB Enforcement Chief Justin Nordhorn addressed 22 questions raised by cannabis industry licensees and trade group representatives during an hour-long webinar.

Over 60 participants signed in to observe or provide comments on draft conceptual rules developed during a lengthy CR-101 stage for the True Party of Interest rulemaking project.

Staff provided a very brief rulemaking update to remind board members present about the second emergency rulemaking to ban vitamin E acetate from vapor products and the more recent initiation of formal rulemaking to more permanent affect.

Formal rulemaking processes got underway anew at the WSLCB while Ecology’s Cannabis Science Task Force pushed towards a July deadline for its first report to the Legislature.

Some software integrators sought clarification from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) about guidance put forth by the agency prohibiting the use of Lab Result Global Identifiers by anyone except testing laboratories.

The agency prepared to welcome two new Policy and Rule Coordinators and restart public engagement in rulemaking processes during the following week.

Resistance to the State’s approach to mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic was rising with the summer temperatures while public meeting cancellations were becoming routine.

The Governor was poised to extend his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation through May 31st while the WSLCB prepared for rulemaking under “the new normal.”

Plans for renewed rulemaking were becoming more clear as board members prepared for roles on legislatively directed task forces on social equity and cannabis “odor.”

As the Governor’s Proclamations unfurled towards the May 4th expiration of his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, the prospects for renewed cannabis policymaking remained uncertain.