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
(April 1, 2024)
Recalling the summer vacation season and policymaking doldrums, only a WSLCB caucus meeting was scheduled and members had already cancelled meetings for the following week.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(March 27, 2024) - General Public Comment
Members of the public expressed dissatisfaction over the company picked to process social equity grants, adjudication of a patient cooperative dispute, and new cannabis education offerings.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(March 26, 2024) - Rulemaking Update
Staff looked ahead to 2024 legislative implementation and outstanding cannabis projects, including a recently submitted petition to ban disposable vapor cartridges.
WSDA - Webinar - Cannabis Testing Lab Accreditation
(March 14, 2024) - Summary
Officials outlined a transition period to take on accreditation authority in parallel with revising standards, including method approval and when enforcement of new standards would start.
The Week Ahead
(March 25, 2024)
The cannabis waste bill was lined up for Inslee’s signature, rules on THC legislation from 2023 were ready for review, and WSDA staff kept their eyes on the calendar for lab accreditation.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(March 19, 2024) - WSIPP Report Review
Board members learned about the benefit-cost analysis of legal cannabis conducted by WSIPP researchers, including how agency staff could better collaborate on topics of mutual interest.
WSLCB - Focus Group - Retail Medical Cannabis Endorsements
(March 11, 2024) - Summary
Attendees had many suggestions and questions for WSLCB staff regarding draft rules for medically endorsed retailers, with emphasis around expected levels of enforcement.
The Week Ahead
(March 18, 2024)
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board members planned to host the principal State researcher on Initiative 502 for a “Report Review” on Tuesday.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(March 12, 2024) - Summary
Board members reviewed actions of the 2024 legislative session, got the status of several rulemaking projects, and heard about a petition to renew harvest dates as required labeling.
The Week Ahead
(March 11, 2024)
Regulators were ready to continue or initiate rulemaking processes in the week following the end of the legislative session while prevention researchers reviewed their findings.