Agency leaders would brief lawmakers on topics like traceability, changes may be offered for social equity and THC rulemaking projects, plus public health outreach and media interest in cannabis labs.
Seasonal change and the approaching 2025 legislative session were signaled by lawmaker work sessions and a University of Washington symposium on cannabis and mental health.
Rulemaking ruled the meeting including a petition on transportation, final rules on patient excise tax exemptions, and hearings on payment options, THC, and social equity; public comments followed.
The conversation started off with details on how WSLCB officers were enforcing hemp product restrictions, rulemaking updates, then a last minute review of agency request bill topics.
WSLCB Enforcement and Education leaders would present an update on SB 5367, the “THC Bill,” before a public hearing on the agency’s proposed rules the next day.
After staff explained potential rule changes on sales of cannabis waste, participants gave input on how to reduce disposal costs and the wider environmental impacts from the market.
A long-time leader in the prevention community would co-chair their final meeting of the State research collaborative the same day as a focus group on implementing the cannabis waste bill.
Besides a call for minor changes to rules implementing a patient tax exemption, board members heard about an alleged “bait and switch” tactic being used on some equity applicants.
Leadership heard from the Education Program Manager about how notices to correct prohibited practices on promotions, discounts, and management agreements were impacting markets.
Aside from the growing trickle of WSLCB rulemaking, agency Finance division leaders were headed to Spokane Valley to provide a presentation to licensed cannabis operators.