Observations

Willing avoidance of increased transparency and unexplained delays characterized important cannabis-related policymaking events in the week beginning on September 11th.

The board agreed to skip patient growing contracts but seek approval for other request bills on cannabis advertising and relating to enforcement against alcohol sales to minors.

After honoring the Labor Day holiday, WSLCB staff were scheduled to present plans for agency request legislation to board members during their weekly caucus.

Aside from a short rulemaking update, most of the meeting focused on the new agency research team, including outputs and external collaborations they had begun to develop.

During the final webinar on 2024 draft request bills, WSLCB staff acknowledged one idea was likely to be shelved due to lack of support, but another would probably be moved forward.

The WSLCB board and staff would convene again this week, but the next formal cannabis rulemaking action by members was not expected until October 25th.

With a change in the Public Health Education Liaison position expected at WSLCB before 2024, a member of the public encouraged the board to look at hiring through a “harm reduction” lens.

Federal health officials raised concerns over hemp cannabinoid products, including impurities; inadequate labeling and oversight; and health risks which could be pronounced in some populations.

WSLCB staff planned to accept comments on potential agency request legislation through the week which would end with a March for Homegrow in downtown Seattle.

Staff received more input on how draft agency request bills on contract growing for patients and advertising changes might potentially impact patients, businesses, and the cannabis market.