Washington State Department of Ecology
(DOE)

A panel from the State Patrol reviewed their work supporting local law enforcement to identify and undermine criminal organizations growing cannabis in Washington.

Representatives of WSLCB and the Department of Ecology briefed the committee about ongoing research and cleanup of legacy pesticide soil contamination in central Washington.

WSLCB leaders reviewed how a patient excise tax exemption was being implemented, their ambitions for a new traceability system, and the processes for cannabis testing and analysis.

Staff provided updates on rulemaking projects and previewed presentations set for the following day on THC serving size, lab authority, and a patient excise tax exemption.

Staff presented two petitions, one on banning single use vapor products and another on employee stock ownership, opened rulemaking on cannabis waste, and heard public comments.

Staff went over a reorganization at WSDA including hemp and cannabis programs; the transition of lab standards and accreditation authority; plus tips for hemp licensees.

Cannabis rulemaking was reviewed, including specifics on implementing a patient excise tax exemption at endorsed stores, and a new survey of social equity program applicants.

Officials outlined a transition period to take on accreditation authority in parallel with revising standards, including method approval and when enforcement of new standards would start.

Lawmakers heard bills on a tax exemption for registered medical patients and transferring lab accreditation, passing the former, then amended and recommended a THC bill without a public hearing.

Concern about removal of WSLCB authority to destroy failed cannabis samples led members to restore a similar mandate before recommending a bill to assign lab accreditation to WSDA.