WA Legislature - Update (February 7, 2023)
A labor bill was unevenly received, modification of the cannabis excise tax seemed more likely without prohibitionist garnishment, and social equity would be introduced in the House.
A labor bill was unevenly received, modification of the cannabis excise tax seemed more likely without prohibitionist garnishment, and social equity would be introduced in the House.
Proponents of a 2022 Seattle law on cannabis worker retention policies backed legislation expanding the mandate, but business associations warned against singling out one industry.
Bills to restrict cannabis concentrates had the support of some health officials and an anti-legalization group, but industry members and a consumer advocate tagged them “prohibition bill[s]."
Of 31 active cannabis-related bills, nine were scheduled for activity during the fourth week of the regular session of the Washington State Legislature - two weeks before the first cutoff.
Legislators fielded hearings on “potency” bills and home cultivation before advancing patient legislation while a companion containing provisions affecting cannabis packaging was moved.
Supportive testimony on a bill to legalize home cultivation of cannabis highlighted the restrictions in the bill, though two speakers were opposed on safety and youth access grounds.
Six cannabis bills were up for initial hearings or executive action on Thursday morning and the committee schedule for the following week was published listing activity on eight cannabis bills.
A proposed substitute to the social equity program was passed with more equity licenses to be allotted with legislative approval, extended the program end date, and revised statutory definitions.
Legislators moved four bills forward and heard two more, cannabis packaging changes may be delegated to WSLCB, and a substantial new labor bill was prepared for introduction.
The board reviewed social equity applicant webinars, denied one petition before opening rulemaking based on a different one, and heard feedback criticizing the quality of their data.