Four new cannabis bills were scheduled for introduction in the senate, interstate commerce was ready to be moved in both chambers, and the social equity hearing was briefly continued.
The social equity bill hearing would be continued on Thursday morning, three new cannabis-specific bills were lined up, and interstate commerce appeared ready to be moved.
Looking to add flexibility to when retailers could pay for cannabis deliveries was popular with most people testifying, but two speakers felt the change would end up being unfair to suppliers.
A bill to open Washington cannabis businesses to interstate commerce under certain conditions drew unified support from the sector, but opposition from advocates who prioritized social equity.
Most speakers welcomed WSLCB request legislation expanding the social equity program, though several testifying wanted to see changes to avoid “oversaturation” of the retail market.
Comments on a bill to ban pre-employment cannabis testing for many businesses got supportive testimony from the cannabis sector, labor interests, and police, with some business voices dissenting.
Several task force members helped develop the scope of a third-party contract to review scientific literature and contemplated a legislative strategy for pursuit in 2023.
Although only five cannabis-specific bills were pre-filed, the convening of the Washington State Legislature portended significant changes to the policy landscape and operating environment.
Several cannabis retailers told lawmakers licensed businesses were diverting products to illegal cannabis markets while calling for enforcement, licensing, and reporting changes.
The longtime Director of WSLCB planned to step down, CCRS 2.0 was on track to go live, and public comments touched on equity, traceability, transparency, and the cannabis economy.
