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
WA House - Session - Afternoon
(March 4, 2022) - SB 5796 - Second and Third Reading
Two changes to a striking amendment were debated—one for quite some time—before representatives passed a bill modifying intended cannabis tax revenue appropriations.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(March 8, 2022) - Summary
After rulemaking and legislative updates, Chair David Postman had a lot to say about committee changes to the last moving cannabinoid regulation and enforcement bill - none of it flattering.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(March 7, 2022) - SB 5983 - Executive Session
Given two proposed substitutes on a bill to regulate cannabinoids, almost the entire committee voted for a more limited version to get some cannabinoid products off the shelves and study the issues.
The Week Ahead
(March 7, 2022)
In the final week of a contentious short session, legislators would have to sprint to pass SB 5983, a bill to protect public health but also fundamentally restructure cannabis law.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(March 5, 2022) - SB 5983 - Public Hearing
A last-minute hearing on a repackaged bill to regulate synthesized cannabinoids revealed shared public health concerns but testimony otherwise remained just as sharply divided.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(March 2, 2022) - Summary
Revised rules requiring pesticide testing for cannabis products were finally adopted by the board, and a variety of critical public remarks preceded a lengthy response from the chair.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(March 1, 2022) - Legislative Affairs Update
Staff explained the session was “coming to an end” and discussed active legislation—including a new cannabinoid regulation bill–as well as budget provisos which could affect WSLCB.
WA House APP - Committee Meeting
(February 22, 2022) - SB 5796 - Public Hearing
Staff briefed on a bill with complex changes to recommended cannabis tax appropriations before testimony emphasized benefits for transparency, social equity, and local governments.
The Week Ahead
(February 28, 2022)
Four synthesized cannabinoid regulation bills had been introduced after cutoff, cannabis-related amendments were in the operating budget, and new QC rules were imminent.
WA House FIN - Committee Meeting
(February 22, 2022) - SB 5004 - Public Hearing
Testimony on a bill to exempt registered medical cannabis patients from the excise tax on DOH compliant products was supportive and elicited several questions from lawmakers.