Observations

Two attorneys were invited to speak about Washington state cannabis policies compared to other jurisdictions in a work session about the future of the cannabis industry.

As budget activity ramped up, fiscal committees undertook the last week for consideration of most policy legislation - and several cannabis-related bills remained unscheduled at the start.

Several amendments to legislation modifying the Washington cannabis social equity program and task force were considered by committee members before it was recommended in a divided vote.

WSLCB Director Rick Garza requested time to update lawmakers ahead of a committee work session on the future of the cannabis industry to share regulator priorities and disclose new agency work groups.

A bill to create a voluntary hemp processor registration program and hemp extract certificate garnered mostly supportive testimony in the House from the public and state officials.

The public had a chance to hear from the new chair before the Board approved the 18th tribal cannabis compact in Washington state and received a rulemaking update.

Director Rick Garza discussed agency efforts to understand delta-8-THC and develop policy following increased momentum towards restriction by other states amid federal uncertainty.

Several cannabis bills portend some controversy on their way through the next cutoff on Friday, where a mysterious work session on “the future of the cannabis industry” awaited.

Thoughtful public testimony and an amendment tying in ‘hemp’ encouraged senators to take a closer look at a bill to change state law mentions of ‘marijuana’ to ‘cannabis’.

Testimony on legislation establishing a limited excise tax exemption for medical cannabis patients registered with the State painted an encouraging picture of potential impacts for patients and the regulated industry.