Washington State Legislature
(WA Legislature)

Ahead of the 2023 session, committee members heard about the response to organized retail crime, including staff of the attorney general’s office and cannabis retail representatives.

A conversation with the author of the state’s legalization initiative provided history and context around the first decade of WSLCB policymaking, along with insights for the next.

Task force members appointed the second new co-chair in two months, heard about 2023 request legislation, then discussed and approved final recommendations from work groups.

The chair of the WA House cannabis policy committee commented on her background as well as legislative concerns and strategies she expected to hear during the 2023 session.

Three Democratic state legislators shared their views on research and pushing legislation around cannabis products with high cannabinoid concentrations, if re-elected.

A presentation on consumption habits among young adults in Washington described negative health effects, poor academic outcomes, and suicidal thoughts attributed to cannabis use disorder.

Members prepared to approve the 21st tribal cannabis compact and heard the status of 2023 agency request legislation the same day WSLCB officers led raids on two cannabis markets.

Work group members organized a presentation on the policy history and state arrest data related to residential home grows before drafting a recommendation to the task force.

A legislative affairs update featured the first public remarks on draft request legislation for 2023 covering “THC regulation,” social equity, and subpoena authority for cannabis investigations.

At four tables with small groups of lawmakers, WACA members and meeting attendees honed arguments in support of lower taxes, more advertising, vertical integration, and out of state ownership.