Washington State Office of the Governor
(WA Governor)

WSLCB was scheduled to host a caucus and board meeting - but both would likely be remote even though the Governor authorized limited in-person public meetings for phase 3 counties.

The Board carried out planned rulemaking actions, learned the true party of interest rulemaking project may be further delayed, and honored the resignation of their long-time policy researcher.

The Board signed a cannabis compact with another tribal nation, surveyed events for the remainder of the year, and received notable new information during a rulemaking update.

WSLCB Director Rick Garza and Policy and Rules Manager Kathy Hoffman signed into the Alliance’s monthly webinar for 45 minutes to provide an update and answer member questions.

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 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.

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

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.