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
WACA - Spring Meeting - 2022 - WA Legislature Engagement
(June 15, 2022) - Summary
At four tables with small groups of lawmakers, WACA members and meeting attendees honed arguments in support of lower taxes, more advertising, vertical integration, and out of state ownership.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(June 22, 2022) - Summary
WSLCB leaders heard about national and regional conferences staff had participated in along with updates on media requests, traceability, and a “strategic plan” for social equity communications.
WA SECTF - Public Meeting
(April 26, 2022) - Summary
The final licensing and community reinvestment recommendations from the task force were presented, discussed, and voted upon before members scheduled remaining work.
The Week Ahead
(June 27, 2022)
The full social equity task force planned to convene for the first time in two months to elect a new co-chair and hear a progress report from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
WACA - Spring Meeting - 2022 - WSLCB Engagement
(June 15, 2022) - Summary
A group of conference attendees talked about enforcement practices, licensing changes, the incipient social equity program, and rulemaking challenges with WSLCB leaders.
WACA - Spring Meeting - 2022 - Opening Remarks
(June 15, 2022) - Summary
WSLCB Chair David Postman opened up about tensions between regulators and licensees, the need to refine cannabis policies, and his wish for the agency to be “a positive force in moving this industry."
WACA - Spring Meeting - 2022 - WSDA Engagement
(June 15, 2022) - Summary
Attendees heard about the WSDA hemp program and projects their staff were involved with, then asked about hemp testing and the possibility of Ag regulating cannabis production.
The Week Ahead
(June 20, 2022)
In addition to a full slate of WSLCB public meetings, the agency planned to host a final deliberative dialogue and the social equity task force production work group would meet.
City of Seattle - City Council - Committee - Finance and Housing - Committee Meeting
(April 6, 2022) - WSLCB Panel
Committee members learned the status of the WSLCB equity retail program and asked a few questions as they sought to develop a dedicated social equity program for Seattle.
The Week Ahead
(June 13, 2022)
The locus of cannabis policymaking in Washington state would temporarily shift to Walla Walla as an influential trade association convened legislators and regulators to confer and commingle.