Observations

WSLCB members would consider four rulemaking actions before the Hemp in Food Task Force convened one last time, ending that effort without a clear path forward for hemp consumables.

A legislative implementation platform, applicant status and changes to the social equity program, and an enforcement briefing were among topics talked about by agency leaders.

Lawmakers were briefed on the continued evaluation of I-502, including the most recent implementation report and an overview of the 2023 report on how cannabis revenue was spent.

During a quiet public-facing week for cannabis-related policymaking, regulatory action continued around legacy environmental pesticides, rulemaking, and preparations for a new Director.

An environmental pesticide briefing laid out previous and ongoing actions by WSLCB, board members denied a petition related to the topic, and public commenters raised various concerns.

The group contemplated human safety guidance for different cannabis products, research on growing cannabis in contaminated soil, and implementing a new standard for THC detectability.

Staff brought the board up to speed on several cannabis rulemaking projects, and briefed on a petition seeking to raise action levels for a legacy environmental pesticide.

Arguably arbitrary thresholds and limits had come to predominate conversations around safety in cannabis products and how to distinguish hemp consumables in Washington state.

After a months-long search, a Colorado cannabis regulator was voted in as the new agency director to the satisfaction of board members.

Members and agency staff provided praise and criticism of research articles put forward by staff involving “Regulatory Science,” cannabinoid differences, testing results, and terminology.