Washington State Legislature
(WA Legislature)

WSLCB leaders offered reasons why the State Auditor’s 2018 traceability and project management recommendations hadn’t been implemented before facing critical public testimony.

WSLCB staff planned to delay action on three rulemaking projects before being publicly called to account for a follow-up State performance audit on cannabis traceability and enforcement.

Over a year into his role at WSLCB, Director Will Lukela was interviewed for an hour about regulating the Washington state cannabis market, eliciting his perspective on critical issues.

State legislators and healthcare policy leaders planned to participate in a University of Washington conference on substance use and addiction clinical care, research, and education.

Seasonal change and the approaching 2025 legislative session were signaled by lawmaker work sessions and a University of Washington symposium on cannabis and mental health.

State interest in better cannabis education for budtenders and consumers came up when officials briefed board members on a survey conducted between 2023 and 2024.

In his final bill signing, Governor Jay Inslee offered hope Washington would continue to prosper under a supplemental budget with rates of cannabis spending largely the same as 2023.

Board members reviewed actions of the 2024 legislative session, got the status of several rulemaking projects, and heard about a petition to renew harvest dates as required labeling.

The first cannabis bill of 2024 was signed into law before a dynamic conclusion to the session as the “high THC” legislation criss-crossed the rotunda for a last minute change which may have fiscal consequences.

All cannabis bills were funded in the operating budget; the patient excise tax exemption bill was passed; a bill action was scheduled by the Governor; and lawmakers would conclude the 2024 regular session.