As the Cannabis Science Task Force wrapped up its work and moved to fade into its sunset, the Social Equity Task Force was prepared to adopt its most ambitious legislative agenda yet.
A request bill to modify the timeline for Ecology to take on lab accreditation was shelved following “stakeholder research,” while potential legislation to create a lab standards body carried on.
Director of Legislative Relations Chris Thompson went over the status of two potential agency request bills (lab standards, cannabinoid regulation) and an upcoming briefing to lawmakers.
CANNRA Executive Director Gillian Schauer shared her personal view of the current state of cannabis policymaking nationwide before addressing associated public health topics.
The work group reached consensus on recommendations to the task force covering additional social equity retail licenses, license mobility, and a market share metric for equity.
A busy week inclusive of hearings on a local ban, medical cannabis taxation, social equity, and product testing would culminate in a legislative work session setting the stage for 2022.
CFO Jim Morgan told agency leadership CCRS remained on track and testing revealed no significant bugs; meanwhile, an informal integrator group formed to facilitate data exchange.
The board moved ahead on a “stopgap measure" to regulate cannabinoids, received an update on rulemaking for quality control testing, and heard concerns about draft request legislation.
WSLCB Board Chair David Postman provided an opening keynote speech reflecting on his work and the status of the agency before answering questions of concern to conference attendees.
The task force adopted work group recommendations to significantly increase spending on grants, establish loans for equity applicants, and open grants to qualified existing licensees.