Washington State Office of the Governor
(WA Governor)

Panelists representing regulators and licensees in Washington and elsewhere weighed in on issues and challenges affecting innovation in the cannabis sector before taking questions.

Agency leaders discussed budget and legislative goals for 2025; rulemaking challenges; work with other states’ regulators; plus a new tribal compact.

In his final bill signing, Governor Jay Inslee offered hope Washington would continue to prosper under a supplemental budget with rates of cannabis spending largely the same as 2023.

Staff looked ahead to 2024 legislative implementation and outstanding cannabis projects, including a recently submitted petition to ban disposable vapor cartridges.

The cannabis waste bill was lined up for Inslee’s signature, rules on THC legislation from 2023 were ready for review, and WSDA staff kept their eyes on the calendar for lab accreditation.

Attendees had many suggestions and questions for WSLCB staff regarding draft rules for medically endorsed retailers, with emphasis around expected levels of enforcement.

Board members reviewed actions of the 2024 legislative session, got the status of several rulemaking projects, and heard about a petition to renew harvest dates as required labeling.

The first cannabis bill of 2024 was signed into law before a dynamic conclusion to the session as the “high THC” legislation criss-crossed the rotunda for a last minute change which may have fiscal consequences.

All cannabis bills were funded in the operating budget; the patient excise tax exemption bill was passed; a bill action was scheduled by the Governor; and lawmakers would conclude the 2024 regular session.

Legislative and budget issues were top-of-mind for the board, but they also discussed an impending rulemaking project related to minors on the premises of producers and processors.