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
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(September 17, 2024) - Enforcement Training Speaker Cancellation
Remarks to Enforcement staff by an ex-cop convicted of manslaughter were cancelled, but questions remained about planning and why it was leaked to the press before WSLCB leaders heard about it.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(September 17, 2024) - DOH YCCTPP Updates
DOH youth tobacco and cannabis prevention staff interpreted Healthy Youth Survey data, shared public health goals for the future, then responded to questions and concerns from legislators.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(September 11, 2024) - Summary
Agency leaders would brief lawmakers on topics like traceability, changes may be offered for social equity and THC rulemaking projects, plus public health outreach and media interest in cannabis labs.
The Week Ahead
(September 16, 2024)
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.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(September 11, 2024) - Summary
Rulemaking ruled the meeting including a petition on transportation, final rules on patient excise tax exemptions, and hearings on payment options, THC, and social equity; public comments followed.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(September 10, 2024) - Summary
The conversation started off with details on how WSLCB officers were enforcing hemp product restrictions, rulemaking updates, then a last minute review of agency request bill topics.
The Week Ahead
(September 9, 2024)
WSLCB Enforcement and Education leaders would present an update on SB 5367, the “THC Bill,” before a public hearing on the agency’s proposed rules the next day.
WSLCB - Focus Group - SB 5376 Implementation
(September 4, 2024) - Summary
After staff explained potential rule changes on sales of cannabis waste, participants gave input on how to reduce disposal costs and the wider environmental impacts from the market.
The Week Ahead
(September 3, 2024)
A long-time leader in the prevention community would co-chair their final meeting of the State research collaborative the same day as a focus group on implementing the cannabis waste bill.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(August 28, 2024) - Summary
Besides a call for minor changes to rules implementing a patient tax exemption, board members heard about an alleged “bait and switch” tactic being used on some equity applicants.