WSLCB - Board Caucus (April 28, 2020) - Summary
Plans for renewed rulemaking were becoming more clear as board members prepared for roles on legislatively directed task forces on social equity and cannabis “odor.”
Plans for renewed rulemaking were becoming more clear as board members prepared for roles on legislatively directed task forces on social equity and cannabis “odor.”
As the Governor’s Proclamations unfurled towards the May 4th expiration of his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, the prospects for renewed cannabis policymaking remained uncertain.
Cannabis enthusiasts around the world reconsidered the meaning of 420 during a pandemic spread by social contact, as regulators and trade associations discouraged public gatherings.
WSLCB Director Rick Garza spoke at length about the agency’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, and hints were offered about the resumption of regular rulemaking.
The WSLCB was once again poised to cancel its public meetings for the week while the Department of Ecology’s Cannabis Science Task Force prepared to meet via webinar.
The Governor signed the supplemental operating budget with vetoes totaling $445M in savings which impact funding for three cannabis-related items.
The Board considered and approved emergency rulemaking claiming a specific authority to suspend licenses to enforce Governor’s Proclamations.
The WSLCB scheduled a Special Board Meeting for Monday afternoon to authorize and delegate summary license suspensions for enforcement of the Governor’s proclamations.
The Department solicited cannabis testing labs to perform analysis of hemp samples, a federal requirement expected within 15 days prior to harvest of every acre of hemp grown in the US.
The Governor signed HB 2870, WSLCB’s request legislation establishing a social equity program, competitive grants, and a task force to help open a new cycle of retail licensure.