Observations

The week is largely free and open as there’s only a WSLCB Board Caucus scheduled for Tuesday.

Staff announced free retail security training and site assessments would be available before the board approved an expedited rulemaking and heard a call to prioritize particular cannabis “pioneers.”

Staff offered a vision of future agency rulemaking including projects on cannabinoid regulation; packaging and labeling; and advertising - as well as outreach on national legalization.

The work group’s final recommendations on social equity licensing, including new delivery and social consumption license types, were reviewed at their last meeting.

WSLCB staff planned to renew public dialogue about impairing versus non-impairing cannabinoids, providing an opportunity to question how helpful that dichotomy actually is.

Work group members as well as public participants shared their thoughts on the spending of community reinvestment dollars and workforce training at the group’s final meeting.

Legislative, licensing, communications, and director updates contributed to the discussion amongst WSLCB leadership about activity towards social equity in cannabis.

Broad ranging conversations between the board and staff touched on retail safety, the cannabis reporting system, Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) data, and regulation of cannabinoids.

A skinny week for cannabis policymaking made room to re-light the secular stoner holiday, 4/20.

The board received a high level briefing on cashless payment options for retailers, approved filing proposed social equity program rules, and heard several critical public comments.