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 Meeting
(June 5, 2024) - Summary
Staff claimed several rulemaking projects and petitions would be advanced in June and July, no one spoke at a public hearing, and members of the public voiced complaints.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(June 4, 2024) - Cannabis Consumer Education Survey
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.
The Week Ahead
(June 3, 2024)
As WSLCB staff worked to make progress on medical cannabis rulemaking, regulators from across the country would convene in Minneapolis to engage with “External Stakeholders.”
WSLCB - Work Group - Cannabinoid Science - Public Meeting
(April 4, 2024) - Summary
The work group discussed two questions: was it possible to define “high THC” products, and were there gaps in requirements on cannabis product stability?
The Week Ahead
(May 27, 2024)
Following Memorial Day remembrance, only the Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery planned to convene their monthly meeting to update service providers.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(May 22, 2024) - Summary
Staff presented two petitions, one on banning single use vapor products and another on employee stock ownership, opened rulemaking on cannabis waste, and heard public comments.
WSLCB - Focus Group - SB 5080 Implementation
(May 15, 2024) - Summary
Staff heard comments on draft changes to the social equity program scoring rubric, including calls to prioritize cannabis market “pioneers” over those with no history in the cannabis sector.
The Week Ahead
(May 20, 2024)
A WSLCB board meeting densely packed with rulemaking and an anonymized petition to ban single use vapor products would precede a second focus group on the social equity program.
The Cannabis Alliance - WA Cannabis Summit - 2024 - Innovation in Cannabis Regulation
(May 10, 2024) - Summary
Panelists representing regulators and licensees in Washington and elsewhere weighed in on issues and challenges affecting innovation in the cannabis sector before taking questions.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(May 8, 2024) - Summary
Agency leaders discussed budget and legislative goals for 2025; rulemaking challenges; work with other states’ regulators; plus a new tribal compact.