Washington State Legislature
(WA Legislature)

A public hearing on cannabinoid legislation had a mix of support from public officials and prevention groups, as well as opposition/other remarks from hemp and cannabis interests.

Senators advanced two cannabis bills, schedules for the following week were published, a new bill would be introduced, and legislators would convene on Thursday for hearings and action.

Representatives heard the WSLCB THC bill, a technical corrections bill was readied for the opposite house, and a senate floor session and rules meeting were scheduled for Wednesday.

A labor bill was unevenly received, modification of the cannabis excise tax seemed more likely without prohibitionist garnishment, and social equity would be introduced in the House.

Of 31 active cannabis-related bills, nine were scheduled for activity during the fourth week of the regular session of the Washington State Legislature - two weeks before the first cutoff.

Legislators fielded hearings on “potency” bills and home cultivation before advancing patient legislation while a companion containing provisions affecting cannabis packaging was moved.

Six cannabis bills were up for initial hearings or executive action on Thursday morning and the committee schedule for the following week was published listing activity on eight cannabis bills.

Legislators moved four bills forward and heard two more, cannabis packaging changes may be delegated to WSLCB, and a substantial new labor bill was prepared for introduction.

Legislators were making steady progress on 29 active cannabis-related bills, having heard five on Monday with plans to hear two more on Tuesday along with four executive sessions.

A bill adding restrictions on manufacturing and sales of hemp cannabinoid products was generally well received, but many speakers disagreed with the allowable THC limits.