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
(September 5, 2022)
The Seattle City Council could amend and adopt three social equity and worker ordinances after WSLCB board members began reckoning with the covert actions of their Enforcement division.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(August 31, 2022) - Rulemaking and Public Comment
After opening two rulemaking projects and accepting four of five petitions for cannabis rulemaking, board members then heard complaints and compliments in public comment.
The Week Ahead
(August 29, 2022)
WSLCB board members had a full slate of planned and requested rulemaking to initiate or deny just prior to the fourth meeting of the Washington State Hemp in Food Task Force.
The Week Ahead
(August 22, 2022)
The social equity task force was scheduled to consider recommendations from two work groups and take positions on WSLCB draft legislation - but would not publicly discuss changes to DIAs.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(August 10, 2022) - Social Equity, Research, Outreach
Agency leaders talked about progress towards a social equity program, Canadian research on cannabis use and access, and various outreach engagements.
City of Seattle - City Council - Committee - Finance and Housing - Committee Meeting
(August 11, 2022) - Cannabis Equity Ordinances
The committee reviewed background and amendments on multiple cannabis bills targeting worker retention and training; creation of a city social equity license; and a “Cannabis Needs Assessment.”
The Week Ahead
(August 15, 2022)
Seattle Councilmembers would consider a trio of bills on worker and social equity in the cannabis sector and the Hemp in Food Task Force planned to convene for the third time.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(August 10, 2022) - Legislative Affairs Update
A legislative affairs update featured the first public remarks on draft request legislation for 2023 covering “THC regulation,” social equity, and subpoena authority for cannabis investigations.
City of Seattle - City Council - Council Meeting
(August 9, 2022) - Social Equity Ordinances
After months of deliberations, the city council referred three cannabis equity ordinances drafted by staff of the mayor’s office to the Finance and Housing committee for consideration.
WA SECTF - Work Group - Production - Public Meeting
(July 26, 2022) - Summary
- USA - Washington
- Washington State Legislative Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis Regulation of Cannabis Production Work Group
Work group members supported an expanded role for WSDA in regulating cannabis production, but only after study and planning around costs and implications for equity in the market.