Washington State Legislature
(WA Legislature)

Legislators learned about low-THC beverages, would hear potentially significant cannabis packaging bills, and prepared to host executive sessions on interstate commerce legislation.

A bill expanding sales and possession limits for low-THC beverages got support from two industry stakeholders, but a consumer advocate dissented over suspected environmental implications.

15 cannabis bills—3x as many as were pre-filed—would be active as of Monday while the WSLCB board moved towards opening the social equity program retail application window.

Four new cannabis bills were scheduled for introduction in the senate, interstate commerce was ready to be moved in both chambers, and the social equity hearing was briefly continued.

The social equity bill hearing would be continued on Thursday morning, three new cannabis-specific bills were lined up, and interstate commerce appeared ready to be moved.

A bill to open Washington cannabis businesses to interstate commerce under certain conditions drew unified support from the sector, but opposition from advocates who prioritized social equity.

Comments on a bill to ban pre-employment cannabis testing for many businesses got supportive testimony from the cannabis sector, labor interests, and police, with some business voices dissenting.

Although only five cannabis-specific bills were pre-filed, the convening of the Washington State Legislature portended significant changes to the policy landscape and operating environment.

Several cannabis retailers told lawmakers licensed businesses were diverting products to illegal cannabis markets while calling for enforcement, licensing, and reporting changes.

The Washington State Legislature was scheduled to convene in one week, and pre-session jitters were amplified by a questionable CCRS update coming in for a landing on the same day.