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
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.
The Week Ahead
(September 19, 2022)
After two meeting cancellations, the Washington State Hemp in Food Task Force was scheduled to convene on Wednesday to receive “requested direction, guidance, and timelines.”
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(September 14, 2022) - Summary
A new tribal compact was signed, several rulemaking projects were underway though one was withdrawn, and a hearing on social equity plus public comments elicited a range of opinions.
City of Seattle - City Council - Council Meeting
(September 6, 2022) - Cannabis Equity Ordinances
After largely encouraging public comments for three city ordinances on cannabis labor and equity policies, the council adopted all the measures and promised more action in the future.
King County Council COW - Committee Meeting
(September 7, 2022) - WSLCB Briefing
Members heard about social equity, pesticide testing, and retail safety from WSLCB regulators before a follow up on a cannabis business safety task force by the King County Sheriff’s Office.
The Week Ahead
(September 12, 2022)
It could be a controversial week for cannabis policy in Washington state given debates around social equity rules and research concerns about “High THC Cannabis Products.”
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(August 30, 2022) - Cannabis Compacts, Request Legislation, and Raids
Members prepared to approve the 21st tribal cannabis compact and heard the status of 2023 agency request legislation the same day WSLCB officers led raids on two cannabis markets.