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 Cannabis Alliance - Town Hall - DOH Medical Cannabis Program
(December 7, 2023) - Summary
DOH staff heard stories and suggestions from patients, advocates, and other stakeholders on how to improve affordability, access, and understanding of medically compliant cannabis products.
WSDA - Public Hearing - Cannabis Testing Lab Quality Standards
(December 28, 2023) - Summary
Lab representatives and other stakeholders pointed out discrepancies, redundancies, and costs related to proposed lab quality standards leading staff to ultimately choose to rework the rules.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(December 20, 2023) - Summary
Updates to a more than five-year-old tribal compact, a rulemaking petition, and general public comments were on the agenda for the final board meeting of 2023.
The Week Ahead
(January 1, 2024)
JLARC members planned to hear a final report on the Dedicated Cannabis Account showing Washingtonians spent more than any other state on “Prevention, education, & treatment.”
WSLCB - Focus Group - SB 5367 Implementation
(December 15, 2023) - Summary
Staff heard from a few attendees with lab experience about potential changes in rule from SB 5367, focusing on definitions for THC content and synthesized cannabinoids.
The Week Ahead
(December 26, 2023)
The post holiday calm before the 2024 legislative session allowed for the Department of Agriculture to host a public hearing on proposed rules for cannabis lab quality standards.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(December 14, 2023) - Summary
Agency leaders went over what they anticipated dealing with in 2024, including “high-THC” regulations, lab accreditation authority, medically endorsed stores, and social equity applicants.
The Week Ahead
(December 18, 2023)
WSLCB staff sought feedback as they struggled to implement “the THC bill” and prepared a recommendation to the board on a rulemaking petition to extend COA expiration dates.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(December 5, 2023) - Work Session - Cannabis Laboratory Testing and Pesticides
Lawmakers looked into how funds had been spent to help producers affected by contaminated soil and heard about a potential “service gap” in lab accreditation expected in July 2024.
The Week Ahead
(December 11, 2023)
Following the annual pre-session WACA conference, the reconstituted WSDA Pesticide Advisory Board would host its inaugural meeting and begin advising the Department.