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 - Board Meeting
(October 12, 2022) - Summary
Just as social equity rulemaking at WSLCB was concluded, a report alleging abusive behavior by a former task force leader reinvigorated lingering public skepticism over agency progress.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(October 11, 2022) - Rulemaking Updates
As the initial social equity effort was prepared for completion, staff looked ahead to rulemaking projects, a new petition, and two agency work groups being set up.
The Week Ahead
(October 10, 2022)
WSLCB board members were scheduled to take an important step towards addressing social equity after hearing from public health officials and researchers on cannabis product packaging.
UW ADAI - Symposium - 2022 - Cannabis Use by Young Adults
(September 16, 2022) - Summary
A presentation on consumption habits among young adults in Washington described negative health effects, poor academic outcomes, and suicidal thoughts attributed to cannabis use disorder.
WA Hemp in Food Task Force - Meeting
(September 29, 2022) - Summary
Two work groups presented draft recommendations to the full task force covering product scope and requirements, as well as definitions for ‘hemp extract’ and classification of cannabinoids.
The Week Ahead
(October 3, 2022)
As the WA Hemp in Food Task Force continued honing recommendations, WSLCB staff would host a new “world café” event to gather feedback on canopy before issuing proposed rules.
UW ADAI - Symposium - 2022 - Public Health Outcomes in Legal Markets
(September 16, 2022) - Summary
A researcher suggested changes in availability and acceptance of high THC products contributed to increased use by adults and youth, and gave ideas for monitoring and reducing this trend.
The Week Ahead
(September 26, 2022)
The Hemp in Food Task Force had a new October 31st deadline to deliver recommendations, and the pesticide testing “phase in” deadline for wholesale to retail sales was set for Friday.
UW ADAI - Symposium - 2022 - Opening Remarks
(September 16, 2022) - Summary
UW ADAI leaders opened the day-long event by claiming revised regulation of cannabis concentrates would establish the state as a wise “big brother” learning from legalization.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(September 14, 2022) - Summary
WSLCB leaders reviewed progress on the cannabis reporting system, agency request legislation, and enforcement data showing increased pesticide complaints and fewer AVN hearings.