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
WSDA - Webinar - Cannabis Programs
(April 25, 2024) - Summary
Staff went over a reorganization at WSDA including hemp and cannabis programs; the transition of lab standards and accreditation authority; plus tips for hemp licensees.
The Week Ahead
(April 29, 2024)
The final pre-proposal focus group on the 2023 THC bill rulemaking was scheduled for Thursday, yet several addressable issues remained detectable after ten months of effort.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(April 24, 2024) - Social Equity
Following a thorough review of social equity program applicant status, staff added new details to an equity rulemaking project and heard from citizens concerned with its rollout.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(April 23, 2024) - Summary
Cannabis rulemaking was reviewed, including specifics on implementing a patient excise tax exemption at endorsed stores, and a new survey of social equity program applicants.
The Week Ahead
(April 22, 2024)
As the WSLCB Policy and Rules team jettisoned previously planned public engagements to accommodate backlogged work, WSDA staff would review their expanding cannabis programs.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(April 16, 2024) - Public Health and Prevention Roundtable Review
Public health and prevention interests expressed during a closed meeting with WSLCB leaders the previous day were top of mind for board members during the caucus.
The Week Ahead
(April 15, 2024)
WSLCB leaders would meet privately with public health and prevention advocates to hear their perspectives, presenting another opportunity to ask why these events remain hidden.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(March 29, 2024) - SB 5950
In his final bill signing, Governor Jay Inslee offered hope Washington would continue to prosper under a supplemental budget with rates of cannabis spending largely the same as 2023.
The Week Ahead
(April 8, 2024)
While the WSLCB Board cancelled all of their meetings for the week, staff would host two focus groups, WSDA prepared a public hearing, and the obscure WIDAC quarterly meeting was up.
WSLCB - Focus Group - SB 5367 Implementation
(March 28, 2024) - Summary
In looking at rulemaking implementing definitional and retail medical endorsement changes, various parties were interested in impacts for producing and selling hemp consumables in 502.