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
(February 6, 2023)
Of 31 active cannabis-related bills, nine were scheduled for activity during the fourth week of the regular session of the Washington State Legislature - two weeks before the first cutoff.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 3, 2023)
Legislators fielded hearings on “potency” bills and home cultivation before advancing patient legislation while a companion containing provisions affecting cannabis packaging was moved.
WA Senate LC - Committee Meeting
(January 31, 2023) - SB 5080 - Executive Session
A proposed substitute to the social equity program was passed with more equity licenses to be allotted with legislative approval, extended the program end date, and revised statutory definitions.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(January 25, 2023) - Summary
The board reviewed social equity applicant webinars, denied one petition before opening rulemaking based on a different one, and heard feedback criticizing the quality of their data.
WA Legislature - Update
(January 31, 2023)
Legislators were making steady progress on 29 active cannabis-related bills, having heard five on Monday with plans to hear two more on Tuesday along with four executive sessions.
WA Senate LC - Committee Meeting
(January 30, 2023) - SB 5367 - Public Hearing
A bill adding restrictions on manufacturing and sales of hemp cannabinoid products was generally well received, but many speakers disagreed with the allowable THC limits.
The Week Ahead
(January 30, 2023)
Hearings on WSLCB THC legislation, cannabis waste, advertising, low dose products, patient arrest protections, local override, home grow, and the fate of concentrates were all scheduled.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(January 19, 2023) - Summary
WSLCB officials were peppered with questions as they discussed their regulatory practices around youth access, social equity, hemp, and agency reorganization with lawmakers.
WA Legislature - Update
(January 27, 2023)
Senators heard supportive testimony on a bill addressing retail theft and four new bills were prepared for introduction, including two targeting concentrated cannabis products.
WA Legislature - Update
(January 26, 2023)
Interstate commerce was moved to the Senate floor, the policy committee in the senate planned to take action, two bills were set for introduction, and next week’s schedule was announced.