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
(March 30, 2023)
Legislation to proscribe pre-employment screening for cannabis use was passed in the House as officials and staff in both chambers worked to revise and pass their respective operating budget bills.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(March 28, 2023) - Summary
Delays at another agency were presented as cause for extending the social equity licensing application window before a short legislative update and a lengthy conversation about two rulemaking petitions.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 29, 2023)
All 14 remaining cannabis-related bills made it through the opposite house policy committee gateway as sequencing of legislation by rules and fiscal committees became more crucial.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 28, 2023)
Three of four lingering cannabis bills were recommended through the upcoming cutoff gateway as initial revisions to biennium operating budgets consumed legislator attention.
The Week Ahead
(March 27, 2023)
14 cannabis-related bills remained active ahead of the opposite house policy committee cutoff on Wednesday including four which had executive sessions rescheduled for amendment work.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 24, 2023)
Interstate commerce was recommended out of committee, no action was taken on the commission bill, and the public received a first look at the Senate operating budget proposal.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(March 21, 2023) - SB 5546 - Public Hearing
Testimony on a cannabis commission showed disagreements over the body’s potential value; supporters emphasized the bill gave licensed producers the power to decide for themselves.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 22, 2023)
All 14 clearly active cannabis bills had been heard by opposite house policy committees, but six still awaited movement after two executive sessions were delayed to allow time for amendment.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(March 20, 2023) - SB 5080 - Executive Session
Members modified the process for local authorities to object to license applications and made technical corrections before approving a bill to expand the social equity in cannabis program.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 21, 2023)
After a busy start of the week, legislators planned to address nearly as many bills on Tuesday including the continuation of two incomplete public hearings left open on Monday.