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
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(March 8, 2023) - Summary
The timeline before WSLCB expected to issue social equity licenses was made more clear, and leadership lauded a consumer advocate for engaging on education and social use policies.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 14, 2023)
Representatives got an earful about the WSLCB THC bill on Monday, and planned to take up social equity and pre-employment cannabis testing legislation on Tuesday.
The Week Ahead
(March 13, 2023)
Following the house of origin cutoff, 15 cannabis-related bills remained clearly active - but attention would be absorbed by uncertain ambitions around the WSLCB THC bill.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 10, 2023)
Three policy committees heard cannabis related bills, hosted a work session on the 20 year study of I-502, and began confirming gubernatorial appointments of WSLCB board members.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(March 7, 2023) - Canopy Interpretation
After changes were not broadly supported by industry stakeholders, staff proposed ending cannabis canopy rulemaking in favor of an interpretive statement, leading to questions from the board.
The Week Ahead
(March 6, 2023)
Legislators had hundreds of bills to consider before the house of origin cutoff on Wednesday, then policy committees would renew activity - including on the first cannabis zombie bill.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 3, 2023)
Senators unanimously passed a bill that may ban all CBD products in Washington state, and legislators would reconvene on Friday to potentially vote on two cannabis bills.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 2, 2023)
Two more cannabis bills were pulled out of Senate Rules, interstate was passed by senators, the schedule for next week has some surprises, and floor activity continues.
WA Senate - Session
(February 28, 2023) - SB 5080 - Second and Third Reading
Two amendments added “sideboards” and data analysis to legislation to modify and expand social equity licensing; Senators gave favorable remarks before passing the bill.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(February 28, 2023) - Summary
The board got a status update on legislation, discussed an impending social equity licensing window, and learned about a new format for staff guidance on rulemaking petitions.