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
(July 8, 2024)
Concerns about youth substance use and high THC products predominated agendas at multiple agencies, but perspectives of public health and prevention interests remained hidden.
The Week Ahead
(July 1, 2024)
No cannabis policymaking events were scheduled during the Fourth of July holiday week as officials granted themselves a respite from busy rulemaking calendars.
WSLCB - Focus Group - High THC Products
(June 26, 2024) - Summary
Participants had so much feedback for WSLCB staff soliciting ideas on education and policy changes related to high THC cannabis products that officials considered additional meetings.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(June 25, 2024) - Summary
The board decided to lower public commenter time, a new draft of the social equity scoring rubric was under development, and a member attended a drug policy conference in Québec.
WSLCB - Special Board Meeting
(June 18, 2024) - Summary
The board was presented with a rulemaking petition on packaging and three on social equity license mobility; they approved updates for medical cannabis endorsements and heard public comments.
The Week Ahead
(June 24, 2024)
Responding to the interests of a board member, WSLCB staff planned to host a focus group on “high THC” cannabis products - though participation was constrained to industry “networks.”
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(June 12, 2024) - Summary
Legislative ideas for 2025, lengthy cannabis label approvals, updates from CANNRA, traceability, and a reminder about canopy were all brought up by staff or board members.
The Week Ahead
(June 17, 2024)
Respecting Juneteenth, WSLCB members rescheduled their board meeting to Tuesday and would incidentally consider three rulemaking petitions from social equity applicants.
PTTC NCO - Webinar - Semi-Synthetic Cannabis Products
(May 23, 2024) - Summary
Three presenters talked about health issues related to semi-synthetic cannabinoids, their marketing and availability, followed by possible actions and approaches to lobbying on the topic.
The Week Ahead
(June 10, 2024)
Cannabis and prevention researchers across Washington planned to convene quarterly confabs before WSLCB staff leadership were scheduled to share monthly public updates.