Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
(WSLCB)

As a social equity task force work group began considering how to distribute $3.62M in grants, another task force prepared to disband, leaving cannabis science under the care of regulators.

Board members considered “two separate issues” raised by the process of converting hemp biomass into cannabinoids leading up to a deliberative dialogue on cannabis plant chemistry.

Governor Inslee signed the biennium operating budget which appropriated cannabis excise tax revenue and other general fund tax dollars among more than a dozen agencies.

This week would include interesting events covering a broad spectrum of cannabis-related topics including social equity, behavioral health, delta-8-THC, and substance use prevention.

The board chair responded to public comments on incentivizing coronavirus vaccination, the safety of converting hemp distillate into THC, and inaction towards business normalization.

A presentation and discussion on retail store allotments surveyed available licenses and the results of outreach by agency staff to jurisdictions maintaining local bans and moratoria.

Board members shared their evolving understanding of the conversion of hemp biomass into cannabinoids like delta-8-THC, and expressed interest in relevant policies adopted or under consideration elsewhere.

The cannabis science and equity task forces were scheduled to have pivotal meetings, and a webinar would offer an opportunity to hear from a leading State researcher on I-502.

After work group members identified themselves and staff went over scope and responsibilities, questions were raised about who could contract as a social equity mentor and how to qualify for grants.

Members introduced themselves, heard about their work group responsibilities, and began exploring potential changes to cannabis business licensing for social equity applicants.