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
WA Senate - Session
(March 1, 2024) - HB 1453 - Second and Third Reading
Senators reduced by half the period of time registered patients would be exempted from a cannabis excise tax under HB 1453, but a large majority again supported the change.
The Week Ahead
(March 4, 2024)
Five cannabis bills were left standing and well positioned to become law as legislators mustered their final push towards completion of the 68th Washington State Legislature on Thursday.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 1, 2024)
The “high THC” legislation was expanded in scope before passage in the Senate and the cannabis waste bill was passed in the House ahead of the deadline on Friday which three cannabis bills still had to make.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 29, 2024)
The WSDA testing lab accreditation bill was passed and two more cannabis bills were calendared for floor activity as the House of Origin Cutoff loomed on Friday.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 28, 2024)
Interest in advancing inactive legislation via budget proviso had been activated, the “high THC” bill was positioned for floor activity in the Senate, and floor sessions would continue in the push to sine die.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(February 27, 2024) - Summary
Legislative and budget issues were top-of-mind for the board, but they also discussed an impending rulemaking project related to minors on the premises of producers and processors.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 27, 2024)
The THC tax study didn’t make it through the Opposite House Fiscal Committee Cutoff gateway, narrowing the list of active cannabis-related bills down to seven as legislators returned to floor sessions.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(February 22, 2024) - Summary
Senators decided the “high THC” bill was similar enough to a companion to skip a public hearing; all testimony on the bill to exempt patients from cannabis excise taxes was supportive.
The Week Ahead
(February 26, 2024)
One cannabis bill was gathering signatures, another was ready for final passage, three were in rules awaiting calendaring, and three more were scheduled for execs before the Monday cutoff.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 26, 2024)
All three cannabis bills at risk were scheduled for executive sessions before the fiscal committee cutoff on Monday, although two carried potential amendments which could alter their outcomes.