Observations

Proposed rule updates to product samples were approved by the board, and staff also described a new PAL approval process before hearing some confrontational public comments.

The WSLCB Board was scheduled to hear a presentation on the first written briefs from the Research Program reviewing academic literature on cannabis product flavors and youth appeal.

A flurry of petitions and rulemaking projects would move ahead with public hearings and presentations to board members in the coming months according to WSLCB staff.

A full week of policymaking at WSLCB would be followed by an industry attempt to bridge gaps within the cannabis community caused by inequitable federal treatment of marijuana and hemp.

Three sets of proposed rule language related to payment flexibility, the social equity program, and THC regulation were all given the green light by board members.

Participants offered feedback to DOH staff questions related to their medical cannabis testing requirements and then posed questions of their own to officials.

WSLCB board members may meet in caucus on Tuesday during an otherwise quiet summer week for cannabis policymaking in Washington state.

After opening the week with guidance on the medical excise tax exemption, WSLCB board members planned to advance three rulemaking efforts with language proposed by staff.

The latest Healthy Youth Survey responses showed a downward trend in underage cannabis use, but board members were troubled by the enduring popularity of vapor products.

Board members heard complaints about curtailing public speaking time among concerns over agency rulemaking inaction and changes to the social equity program scoring rubric.