The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is the primary adult use cannabis regulatory authority in the State of Washington. The executive agency, which also regulates alcohol, tobacco, and vapor products in Washington state, is overseen by a three member board appointed by the Governor to six-year terms. The Board holds regular public meetings and work sessions with stakeholders, makes policy and budget decisions, and adjudicates contested license applications and enforcement actions on licensees. Board members are also responsible for hiring the agency's Director, who manages day-to-day operations.
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
(WSLCB)
Public
Observations
UW ADAI - Symposium - 2024 - Keynote - Marta Di Forti
(September 19, 2024) - Summary
A keynote presenter offered historical context while summarizing academic literature on cannabis and psychosis before addressing prevention, treatment, and answering attendee questions.
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee - Public Hearing
(November 6, 2024) - Oversight of the Cannabis Industry
WSLCB leaders offered reasons why the State Auditor’s 2018 traceability and project management recommendations hadn’t been implemented before facing critical public testimony.
The Week Ahead
(November 11, 2024)
Following Veterans’ Day reflection and gratitude, WSLCB leaders were scheduled to convene a monthly EMT meeting without former Director of Enforcement and Education Chandra Wax.
UW ADAI - Symposium - 2024 - Opening Remarks
(September 19, 2024) - Summary
UW ADAI leaders gave context for the symposium, promising to highlight researchers from around the world while contrasting their efforts from the historical baggage of Reefer Madness.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(November 6, 2024) - Summary
New petitions and draft rule language were forecast for rulemaking projects over the next several weeks, and public criticism of the social equity program at WSLCB continued.
The Week Ahead
(November 4, 2024)
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.
TVW - Inside Olympia
(October 10, 2024) - WSLCB Director Will Lukela
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.
The Week Ahead
(October 28, 2024)
On Tuesday, WSLCB Enforcement and Education staff would provide an overview of their legislatively mandated Education Program, which may be a model for other jurisdictions.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(October 23, 2024) - Summary
Newly proposed social equity rules changed the application windows, scoring rubric, and title certificate holder privileges, but citizens raised concerns over WSLCB bias and transparency.
DOH - Webinar - Medical Cannabis Workshop
(October 17, 2024) - Summary
A long running rulemaking project got fresh feedback on a draft from those in the medical cannabis sector, but staff were no closer to being able to forecast completion of their work.