Washington State Office of the Governor
(WA Governor)

The Governor was poised to extend his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation through May 31st while the WSLCB prepared for rulemaking under “the new normal.”

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 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 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.

The agency paused the Quality Control Testing rulemaking project, implemented emergency rules allowing deferred excise tax payments, and learned the status of open rulemaking efforts.