Washington State House Appropriations Committee
(WA House APP)

Testimony on legislation to revise regulation of cannabinoids emphasized policy pitfalls versus prospective benefits, and hinted at fiscal fallout from litigious hemp industry interests.

After a brutal week for cannabis-related legislation which saw more than half rendered inactive, legislators prepared to undertake key debates on synthesized cannabinoids, community reinvestment, and social equity.

As the 2022 Washington state legislative session began on Monday, 12 cannabis-related bills had been pre-filed for introduction and 7 would be reintroduced from 2021.

An $81 annual fee collected from each cannabis licensee was assessed to pay for oversight of imported CBD additives before committee members recommended the bill for passage.

Legislation which would authorize the importation of CBD products into I-502 received its first finance committee public hearing.

Over Republican opposition, the committee approved a striking amendment on legislation to re-criminalize drug possession with reduced penalties while expanding prevention and treatment offerings.

No one spoke in favor of a bill re-criminalizing drug possession and expanding treatment diversion programs; critics said it reinstituted prohibition while government advocates stressed the costs of implementation.

The hemp processor bill was signed into law, likely followed by the social equity bill - but the future of drug policy in Washington state was on a strange trip aboard SB 5476.

As budget activity ramped up, fiscal committees undertook the last week for consideration of most policy legislation - and several cannabis-related bills remained unscheduled at the start.

A bill expanding the State’s social equity in cannabis task force and grant program was recommended out of committee after two amendments to limit the legislation were rejected.