Observations

Six new relevant bills were introduced in the past week and several were already scheduled to be heard on local authority, social equity, and a cannabis commodity commission.

An extensive briefing by WSLCB staff on past cannabis business licensing windows provoked a lively Q&A on the prospective social equity program application process.

The committee heard a bill intended to remove the term ‘marijuana’ from use in state law due to its background as a way to imbue cannabis prohibition with racial and social bias.

WSLCB licensing staff would testify before the social equity task force the same week as an out-of-state ownership lawsuit proceeded while 11 cannabis-related bills made their way through the legislature.

Legislation to legalize home growing of cannabis in Washington State was advanced farther than prior years after House policy committee members unanimously voted to amend the bill to raise seizure and forfeiture limits, but the committee vote recommending the bill to their peers revealed two lawmakers held lingering concerns.

The influence of prevention organizations on WSLCB policy was the focus of a presentation from the agency’s public health liaison and remarks from Cannabis Advisory Council members.

SB 5004, legislation providing an excise tax exemption for patients registered with the state, drew largely supportive testimony which contested the accuracy of the fiscal note.

The Board convened a quick caucus meeting and briefly discussed the upcoming deliberative dialogue sessions, a new rulemaking engagement paradigm at the agency.

Members heard concerns from three police and prevention advocates on new legislation to allow adults to grow up to six cannabis plants in their residence, and positive remarks from all other speakers.

Three new cannabis bills were introduced and four were scheduled for activity while the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission considered regulation of Epidiolex.