Observations

The post holiday calm before the 2024 legislative session allowed for the Department of Agriculture to host a public hearing on proposed rules for cannabis lab quality standards.

Agency leaders went over what they anticipated dealing with in 2024, including “high-THC” regulations, lab accreditation authority, medically endorsed stores, and social equity applicants.

WSLCB staff sought feedback as they struggled to implement “the THC bill” and prepared a recommendation to the board on a rulemaking petition to extend COA expiration dates.

Members had difficulty offering guidance on THC regulation due to wording in a 2023 law but considered other issues the group could make meaningful contributions towards in the future.

Lawmakers looked into how funds had been spent to help producers affected by contaminated soil and heard about a potential “service gap” in lab accreditation expected in July 2024.

Following the annual pre-session WACA conference, the reconstituted WSDA Pesticide Advisory Board would host its inaugural meeting and begin advising the Department.

Black Excellence in Cannabis (BEC) members made pointed accusations that problems in the social equity licensing program had been intentional, to which the chair forcefully disagreed.

After WSLCB and WA Commerce officials went through their responsibilities for the cannabis social equity program, two applicants aired grievances with how the program had been handled so far.

An experienced toxicologist and epidemiologist joined the Policy and Rules team, plus updates on a rule petition and already open rulemaking projects.

WA HCA staff presented the newest strategic plan for substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion, touching on the history, goals, and groups that created the plan.