The lobbyist for WSLCB gave an update on staff engagement with lawmakers and progress on two draft bills with associated budget requests being prepared for the governor’s office.
Mere weeks away from pre-filing, legislators and agency staff prepared draft bills including the WSLCB “impairing” cannabinoids legislation of interest and consequence to many.
Staff reviewed stalled rulemaking for a certified cannabis program in Washington before turning to two California programs: an organic-comparable certification and appellations of origin.
Director Rick Garza shared some observations with attendees, focusing on vertical integration, cannabinoid regulation, medical cannabis, and social equity before taking questions.
While social equity work groups continued to review the regulated cannabis market, the body historically responsible for introducing the state controlled substances act was set to convene.
Cannabis regulators from multiple states---including the leadership of CANNRA---discussed public health concerns and ways to regulate delta-8-THC and other novel cannabinoids.
Cannabis trade associations shared their legislative priorities around out-of-state ownership, social equity, medical cannabis, and synthesized cannabinoids.
Prevention and social equity advocates would convene online, while a cannabis trade association would host state legislators, regulators, and researchers for in person discussion.
Members adopted an algorithm for determining disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) but postponed consideration of two social equity application process recommendations.
WSLCB leadership briefed the committee on “Cannabis Regulatory Issues and Implementation of Recent Legislation” after Gillian Schauer described delta-8-THC “health and safety risks.”