Alcohol Advisory Council members learned about WSLCB’s policy analysis process, the next biennium budget, and agency request legislation requested from outside the agency.
Prefiling of bills for the 2021 legislative session begins, the WSLCB takes next steps implementing 2020 legislation, and the Washington Poison Center offers training on cannabis.
Senators heard a status report on the social equity task force, concerns from past and prospective applicants, and a rebuttal from WSLCB staff on licensing decision making.
During a panel on medical cannabis, Senate President Pro Tempore Karen Keiser announced previous legislation to make cannabis more affordable for medical patients would be reintroduced.
Legislators heard an update from WSLCB leadership on their COVID-19 response and seemed eager to support legislation to more permanently encode some temporary alcohol allowances.
State and local officials as well as cannabis industry stakeholders discussed the Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force, excise taxes on medical marijuana, and a cannabis research commission.
On Monday, legislators in both chambers planned to review social equity within the cannabis industry, medical marijuana, a proposed cannabis commission, and the WSLCB’s status.
Four retail allotments were on the table as Lynnwood City Council members began discussion of their jurisdictional ban on cannabis businesses in place since June 2015.
Board members reviewed feedback from the recent special board meeting and approved a cannabis compact with the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.
As most events were cancelled for the holidays, we encourage stakeholders and policymakers to reflect on how far we’ve come - and verify we’re still heading in the right direction together.