Washington State Department of Agriculture
(WSDA)

A cannabis researcher from WSU went over academic developments around safety, economic development, health, and agriculture before answering attendee questions.

While many meetings were cancelled or not scheduled for the holiday week, a new working group at WSDA would consider revisions to the penalty matrix for pesticide violations.

Senators learning about delta-8-THC and other novel cannabinoids found the lack of control around youth access “very alarming” as they questioned WSLCB and CANNRA leaders.

The lobbyist for WSLCB gave an update on staff engagement with lawmakers and progress on two draft bills with associated budget requests being prepared for the governor’s office.

Mere weeks away from pre-filing, legislators and agency staff prepared draft bills including the WSLCB “impairing” cannabinoids legislation of interest and consequence to many.

Staff reviewed stalled rulemaking for a certified cannabis program in Washington before turning to two California programs: an organic-comparable certification and appellations of origin.

A request bill to modify the timeline for Ecology to take on lab accreditation was shelved following “stakeholder research,” while potential legislation to create a lab standards body carried on.

Director of Legislative Relations Chris Thompson went over the status of two potential agency request bills (lab standards, cannabinoid regulation) and an upcoming briefing to lawmakers.

WSLCB staff planned to host a third webinar on the Cannabis Central Reporting System (CCRS) to help expedite the transition away from MJ Freeway - and reallocate funding?

Director of Policy and External Affairs Justin Nordhorn discussed the background, intent, and changes requested in draft legislation on “psychotropic” and “impairing” cannabis compounds.