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 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.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 28, 2023)
Cannabis-related bills were not taken up by legislators on Monday, but the social equity bill was moved out of rules, joining three other bills ready for second and third readings.
WSLCB - Work Group - QC Standards - Public Meeting
(January 5, 2023) - Summary
At the first work group meeting, members introduced themselves and heard agency leaders’ intentions to gather input on the effectiveness of 2022 cannabis testing changes.
The Week Ahead
(February 27, 2023)
After the house of origin fiscal committee cutoff, 18 cannabis bills remained active—one less than expected—as legislators prepared for floor debate over the next week and a half.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 24, 2023)
Three cannabis bills were moved on Thursday and home grow was poised for advance on Friday before the house of origin fiscal committee cutoff would leave 19 cannabis bills in play.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 23, 2023)
The first substantial cannabis legislation was passed by the Senate, home grow was heard in its fiscal committee, and four cannabis bills were positioned for executive sessions on Thursday.
WA House APP - Committee Meeting
(February 22, 2023) - HB 1614 - Public Hearing
Inclusion of civil infractions in a bill to allow home growing of cannabis carried costs for state and local governments, and a police association lobbyist explained her group’s new position of ‘other.’