Observations

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.

Cannabis enthusiasts around the world reconsidered the meaning of 420 during a pandemic spread by social contact, as regulators and trade associations discouraged public gatherings.

WSLCB Director Rick Garza spoke at length about the agency’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, and hints were offered about the resumption of regular rulemaking.

The WSLCB was once again poised to cancel its public meetings for the week while the Department of Ecology’s Cannabis Science Task Force prepared to meet via webinar.

The Governor signed the supplemental operating budget with vetoes totaling $445M in savings which impact funding for three cannabis-related items.

The Board considered and approved emergency rulemaking claiming a specific authority to suspend licenses to enforce Governor’s Proclamations.