Significant new quality control rules were proposed and a licensee consultation program was adopted before public comment on WSLCB gatekeeping access to its BIPOC engagements.
The Board approved filing the quality control supplemental CR-102, adopted final rules for the consultation and education program, and heard public comment about “barriers to entry” encountered at the first social equity engagement.
Filling in the blanks on a perfunctory caucus meeting, we spotlight the WSLCB’s social equity efforts, rulemaking updates, and the resurrection of Cannabis 2.0.
Substance abuse prevention staff at the Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) presented selected research on perceived trends in marijuana use, access, and normalization revealing a narrow focus on anticipated harms.
During a characteristically brief caucus, members were prepared for formal rulemaking at the following day’s board meeting and evinced the agency’s focus on social equity in October.
Amidst ten meetings of potential interest, the week ahead would reveal cannabis policymaking intentions at the legislature, the WSLCB, and substance use prevention organizations.
Committee members learned about cannabis-related research from academics affiliated with the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (UW ADAI) and heard their concerns about concentrated cannabinoid products.
Lawmakers learned about the cannabis-related work of academics affiliated with the Collaboration on Cannabis Policy, Research, and Outreach (CCPRO) at Washington State University (WSU) including studies on rodent brain development and human cannabis use during and after pregnancy.
House lawmakers heard invited testimony on “Cannabis potency policy considerations” from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB), legislative staff, and two cannabis trade groups.
Director Rick Garza and Enforcement Chief Justin Nordhorn brought WSLCB’s Executive Management Team (EMT) up to speed on the agency’s enforcement reforms and responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.