Observations

Three recommendations for the 2022 legislative session were put forward by the licensing work group and adopted by the task force following discussion and amendment.

Board members adopted rules on importation of CBD products for use as additives - but would soon have to approve an interim policy creating an exemption from traceability requirements.

The social equity licensing work group would learn about “Social Consumption Lounges” and the Cannabis Alliance planned to host state officials to discuss crucial contemporary topics.

The board began rescinding unnecessary interim policies, heard rulemaking updates, and a licensee called for more time to transition from seed-to-sale traceability to weekly reporting.

A single patient offered testimony recommending sales tax breaks be reserved for registered patient purchases of DOH compliant products to incentivize “medical grade” production.

A public hearing on the implementation of imported CBD rules drew suggested revisions on cannabis product testing standards from the public and a WSDA pesticide official.

The social equity task force was scheduled to review significant legislative proposals developed by work group members, and WSDA opened its pesticide penalty regime for revision.

The board heard about two agency request bills: a joint venture with WSDA to regulate testing lab standards and one “to allow for synthetic, but to prohibit artificial” cannabinoids in products.

Staff provided more specifics on processes and standards for compliance reporting under the Cannabis Central Reporting System (CCRS) and responded to 50 pre-submitted questions.

Commissioners adopted a six-month moratorium on permitting of new cannabis producers or expansion of grows, and required existing businesses to corroborate site plan documentation.