Washington State Office of the Governor
(WA Governor)

The Washington state Governor was scheduled to take action on the operating budget for the upcoming biennium, endorsing or vetoing fiscal appropriations for many government activities.

Legislation expanding the membership and responsibilities of the social equity task force was signed into law, strengthening an influential movement in the Washington state cannabis sector.

Deliberative work characteristic of the interim between legislative sessions began in earnest this week with social equity, medical marijuana, and behavioral health events on the calendar.

The new WSLCB Chair provided more expansive remarks during a public introduction to Cannabis Advisory Council representatives whose comments varied from friendly to confrontational.

The public had a chance to hear from the new chair before the Board approved the 18th tribal cannabis compact in Washington state and received a rulemaking update.

Task force members recommended expanding the qualifying criteria for the social equity program to include race and opening the technical assistance grant program to current licensees and retail title certificate holders.

In the Board’s first planning session since 2018, members looked back on past priorities and prepared to welcome a new board chair who would be appointed in “a few more weeks.”

Advocates learned about Washington's legislative process from a Legislative Information Center staffer including specific steps to track and participate virtually in the 2021 session.

Goals for the 2021 Washington state legislative session, which begins Monday January 11th, were articulated by WSLCB agency leadership and Cannabis Advisory Council members.

Board members heard legislative and rulemaking updates as well as mentions of agency coordination with social equity and prevention stakeholders - and the U.S. Census Bureau.