Observations

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.

Agency leaders covered request legislation and a possible hemp bill; applications advancing in the social equity program; along with research and traceability updates.

Research staff talked about an economics report on the cannabis sector regarding opportunity for additional licenses, plus the operating procedures and initial briefs from the group.

Proposed rule updates to product samples were approved by the board, and staff also described a new PAL approval process before hearing some confrontational public comments.

The WSLCB Board was scheduled to hear a presentation on the first written briefs from the Research Program reviewing academic literature on cannabis product flavors and youth appeal.

A flurry of petitions and rulemaking projects would move ahead with public hearings and presentations to board members in the coming months according to WSLCB staff.

A full week of policymaking at WSLCB would be followed by an industry attempt to bridge gaps within the cannabis community caused by inequitable federal treatment of marijuana and hemp.

Three sets of proposed rule language related to payment flexibility, the social equity program, and THC regulation were all given the green light by board members.