Observations

Though not unanimous, the task force voted to focus on anti-Black racism in their operating principles before broadly discussing the equity program and establishing three work groups.

The WSLCB Cannabis Advisory Council planned to convene for the first time in over a year, while prevention advocates prepared for the start of the 2021 legislative session.

A new cannabis-related bill was introduced over the holidays, and a few scheduled events would likely be cancelled before we welcome the new year.

A pair of rulemaking updates and a citizen request for dedicated cannabis business licensing forms were the last topics heard during the final board meeting of 2020.

A history of racial discrimination in the American drug war and Washington state’s legal industry was described by a task force member, guest presenter, and commenters from inside and outside the industry.

Public health researchers and prevention advocates discussed a report associating increased health risks with concentrated cannabis products and ways to enact policy change.

On darkest night, we reflect on where we have been, where we are going, and how.

During the annual state prevention summit, public health and prevention practitioners heard “A Couple of Things About Cannabis” and got an early look at a report on cannabis potency.

WSLCB’s leading substance use prevention staffer provided their first in-depth update in months, pushing back against temporary policy allowances and raising public health concerns.

An event intended to educate prevention advocates about cannabis covered recent WAPC call data, modes of use, youth usage, and ways to communicate prevention messaging to young people.