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
(August 28, 2023)
The WSLCB board and staff would convene again this week, but the next formal cannabis rulemaking action by members was not expected until October 25th.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(August 16, 2023) - Comment on the Public Health Education Liaison Role
With a change in the Public Health Education Liaison position expected at WSLCB before 2024, a member of the public encouraged the board to look at hiring through a “harm reduction” lens.
PTTC NCO - Webinar - CBD - Potential Harms, Side Effects, and Unknowns
(August 8, 2023) - Summary
Federal health officials raised concerns over hemp cannabinoid products, including impurities; inadequate labeling and oversight; and health risks which could be pronounced in some populations.
The Week Ahead
(August 21, 2023)
WSLCB staff planned to accept comments on potential agency request legislation through the week which would end with a March for Homegrow in downtown Seattle.
WSLCB - Webinar - Agency Request Legislation Proposals
(August 17, 2023) - Summary
Staff received more input on how draft agency request bills on contract growing for patients and advertising changes might potentially impact patients, businesses, and the cannabis market.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(August 9, 2023) - Summary
The board heard about implementation of legislation and possible request bills; social equity applications; lab authority transfer; plus updates on medical endorsements and hiring.
WSLCB - Webinar - Agency Request Legislation Proposals
(August 11, 2023)
WSLCB leaders introduced two concepts for 2024 request legislation, one for medical patients to contract with licensees; another to revise limits around cannabis retail advertising.
The Week Ahead
(August 14, 2023)
Legislators and agency staff were preparing for the shorter 2024 legislative session where organized retail crime and patient concerns would figure amidst cannabis related policymaking.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(August 8, 2023) - Summary
The intention of staff to replace CCRS with a traceability system was questioned by board members, who next learned about the new staff and portfolio for the in-house research office.
DOE - Webinar - Accreditation of Cannabis Laboratories - Public Workshop
(August 2, 2023) - Summary
With DOE staff moving forward on cannabis lab accreditation rulemaking, they explained the expected timeline for draft rules and heard feedback about the costly implications for labs.