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 Legislature - Update
(February 9, 2024)
At the close of a quiet day for cannabis-related legislation on Thursday, House leadership pulled three bills out of their rules committee onto the floor calendar for potential action on Friday.
WA House APP - Committee Meeting
(February 3, 2024) - HB 2320 - Public Hearing
A bill requiring development of training, mandatory signage, and medical interventions related to “high THC” cannabis was considered, and subsequently recommended, by a fiscal committee.
WA House APP - Committee Meeting
(February 1, 2024) - HB 2151 - Public Hearing
Concern about removal of WSLCB authority to destroy failed cannabis samples led members to restore a similar mandate before recommending a bill to assign lab accreditation to WSDA.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 7, 2024)
Legislators passed three cannabis bills out of their respective chambers on Tuesday, and two were positioned for potential floor activity in the Senate on Wednesday.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(February 3, 2024) - SB 6220 - Public Hearing
Lawmakers heard similar testimony during the fiscal considerations of a high THC regulation bill as was given in the policy hearing and later decided not to move the measure.
The Week Ahead
(February 5, 2024)
The fiscal committee deadline on Monday would usher a transition to floor sessions on Tuesday granting legislators one week to read, amend, debate, and pass legislation from their chambers.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 3, 2024)
After passage of the excise tax study bill and movement of three others to chamber floor calendars, fiscal committees made last minute changes to their agendas for Saturday inclusive of four cannabis bills.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 2, 2024)
A fiscal committee heard cannabis legislation Thursday, but calendars were becoming cramped ahead of the next legislative gateway on Monday - and several cannabis bills may be left out.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(January 31, 2024) - Summary
The board heard an in-depth update on the social equity program then voted on two petitions, accepting one on heavy metals testing and denying one related to multi-license production facilities.
WA Legislature - Update
(January 31, 2024)
Having arrived at the first cutoff deadline of the 2024 regular session, several cannabis-related bills had made it through the gateway - but very few were well positioned for the next.