Observations

Compressed cannabis policymaking at WSLCB due to mandatory cost-saving furloughs and a holiday shouldn’t prevent stakeholders from suggesting changes to producer rules on Tuesday.

The review of existing producer rules resulted in feedback encouraging tiered fees, modernization of security requirements, ownership of up to five production licenses, and more.

The Board approved filing proposed changes to the rules defining true parties of interest in cannabis businesses and heard public testimony for the second time in the past five months.

The Board learned more about open and planned rulemaking projects then heard an update from the Director about planned furloughs, re-entry to headquarters, and DEI efforts.

The WSLCB was set to propose new Voluntary Compliance Program rules, revisions to True Party of Interest rules, and solicit feedback on marijuana Producer rules.

The technological leap into remote meetings required by the State’s response to the pandemic continued to challenge the WSLCB’s commitment to transparency.

Board members voted to extend their emergency ban on use of vitamin E acetate in vapor products for a third time while permanent rulemaking to formalize the prohibition continued.

Agency leadership discussed the WSLCB’s emerging plans for implementation of HB 2870’s marijuana social equity program and rulemaking timelines were advanced.

WSLCB cancelled most of its public meetings while the State Board of Health prepared to extend its vitamin E acetate prohibition and convene the Marijuana Social Equity Task Force.

Unnaturally, farmers still have to ask whether the State considers cannabis production an agricultural activity as the Governor issues a new round of emergency proclamations.