Observations

As WSLCB staff worked to make progress on medical cannabis rulemaking, regulators from across the country would convene in Minneapolis to engage with “External Stakeholders.”

The work group discussed two questions: was it possible to define “high THC” products, and were there gaps in requirements on cannabis product stability?

Following Memorial Day remembrance, only the Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery planned to convene their monthly meeting to update service providers.

Staff presented two petitions, one on banning single use vapor products and another on employee stock ownership, opened rulemaking on cannabis waste, and heard public comments.

Staff heard comments on draft changes to the social equity program scoring rubric, including calls to prioritize cannabis market “pioneers” over those with no history in the cannabis sector.

A WSLCB board meeting densely packed with rulemaking and an anonymized petition to ban single use vapor products would precede a second focus group on the social equity program.

Panelists representing regulators and licensees in Washington and elsewhere weighed in on issues and challenges affecting innovation in the cannabis sector before taking questions.

Agency leaders discussed budget and legislative goals for 2025; rulemaking challenges; work with other states’ regulators; plus a new tribal compact.

Following tumultuous public comment the week prior, the WSLCB Board and staff planned to focus on draft revisions to the social equity licensing program to incorporate lessons learned.

Staff went into specifics on payment flexibility and an excise tax exemption for patients during rulemaking updates as a five year strategic plan for WSLCB neared completion.