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
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.
The Week Ahead
(October 21, 2024)
WSLCB staff would take another pass at revising the social equity program, but closed and obscure proceedings hinted at seismic shifts between regulators and the cannabis sector.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(September 17, 2024) - WSP Update
A panel from the State Patrol reviewed their work supporting local law enforcement to identify and undermine criminal organizations growing cannabis in Washington.
The Cannabis Alliance - Town Hall - Bridging the Divide Between Cannabis and Hemp
(August 15, 2024) - WSDA Discussion
An organic-equivalent standard remained elusive, but a WSDA official and WSU researcher offered ideas regarding hemp and cannabis regulation before responding to attendee comments.
The Week Ahead
(October 14, 2024)
A selection of events reflecting the diversity and complexity of the Cannabis sativa plant were scheduled by the WSLCB, WSU, WTSC, DOH, and Cannabis Alliance during the week.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(September 17, 2024) - DDE Remediation Update
Representatives of WSLCB and the Department of Ecology briefed the committee about ongoing research and cleanup of legacy pesticide soil contamination in central Washington.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(October 9, 2024) Summary
Board members adopted final rules for THC regulation, hosted a public hearing on cannabis product samples, and started a project on Employee Stock Ownership Plans.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(October 8, 2024) - Summary
Staff provided rulemaking updates and reviewed actions set for the next day including THC regulation, identification reform, product samples, and a new type of employee benefit plan.