Observations

Concerns about youth substance use and high THC products predominated agendas at multiple agencies, but perspectives of public health and prevention interests remained hidden.

No cannabis policymaking events were scheduled during the Fourth of July holiday week as officials granted themselves a respite from busy rulemaking calendars.

Participants had so much feedback for WSLCB staff soliciting ideas on education and policy changes related to high THC cannabis products that officials considered additional meetings.

The board decided to lower public commenter time, a new draft of the social equity scoring rubric was under development, and a member attended a drug policy conference in Québec.

The board was presented with a rulemaking petition on packaging and three on social equity license mobility; they approved updates for medical cannabis endorsements and heard public comments.

Responding to the interests of a board member, WSLCB staff planned to host a focus group on “high THC” cannabis products - though participation was constrained to industry “networks.”

Legislative ideas for 2025, lengthy cannabis label approvals, updates from CANNRA, traceability, and a reminder about canopy were all brought up by staff or board members.

Respecting Juneteenth, WSLCB members rescheduled their board meeting to Tuesday and would incidentally consider three rulemaking petitions from social equity applicants.

Three presenters talked about health issues related to semi-synthetic cannabinoids, their marketing and availability, followed by possible actions and approaches to lobbying on the topic.

Cannabis and prevention researchers across Washington planned to convene quarterly confabs before WSLCB staff leadership were scheduled to share monthly public updates.