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 Governor - Bill Action
(May 16, 2023) - SB 5200
The capital budget included $5M for soil cleanup added late in the process in order to help agricultural sectors—including cannabis licensees—in north central Washington.
The Week Ahead
(May 15, 2023)
As finishing touches were made to wrap up 2023 regular session legislation, lawmakers would reconvene in special session to redress the State v. Blake decision and consequences.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(May 10, 2023) - Summary
Reporting touched on why Licensing staff were “hands off” in the new phase of social equity applications, relocating producers over environmental pesticide concerns, and other updates.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(May 9, 2023) - SB 5367
A bill regulating products containing THC was signed, granting new authority and rulemaking mandates for WSLCB - though fewer hemp licensees may be another result of the law.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(May 9, 2023) - SB 5123
Starting in 2024, Washington job seekers will no longer be discriminated against due to the presence of non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites during most pre-employment drug testing.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(May 4, 2023) - HB 1563
Legislation expanding arrest projections for medical cannabis patients reflected the diligence of an advocate who had been pushing for various reforms on medical policies for several years.
WA Legislature - Update
(May 8, 2023)
The Governor has called for a special session of the Washington State Legislature, and Cannabis Observer will be there to increase transparency and accountability with your support.
The Week Ahead
(May 8, 2023)
Cannabis policymaking for the week in Washington state would be characterized by a full slate of public meetings at the WSLCB by the Board and Executive Management Team.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(May 4, 2023) - SB 5069
The Governor approved a bill to allow interstate cannabis agreements if the practice became permitted by federal government action - and legislation had been introduced in Congress to do just that.
WA ORC Task Force - Meeting
(March 29, 2023) - Cannabis Retail Panel
Several cannabis retailers conveyed experiences and policies on reducing robberies, but local officials and others pushed for more organized and proactive enforcement approaches.