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
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.
WA SECTF - Work Group - Licensing - Public Meeting
(February 10, 2022) - Summary
- USA - Washington
- Washington State Legislative Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis Licensing Work Group
The work group welcomed new members, discussed previously approved recommendations, and hosted an open discussion on potential new license types for equity applicants.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(February 22, 2022) - Legislative Affairs Update
The agency’s top lobbyist reviewed legislative activity, diving deeper into a new cannabinoid regulation bill and work to salvage components of unsuccessful social equity legislation.
WA House PS - Committee Meeting
(February 18, 2022) - SB 5927 - Public Hearing
Committee members heard positive testimony on a bill to increase penalties for cannabis retail robberies, and asked questions about the frequency of incidents and other solutions.
The Week Ahead
(February 21, 2022)
As the timeline for legislation became more compressed, committees crammed bills for action - while the WSLCB cannabinoid regulation bill was granted a second chance to NTIB.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(February 9, 2022) - CCRS Update
An update on the cannabis compliance reporting transition outlined plans for a second phase of development and prompted discussion about the eventual need for enforcement.
WA Senate - Session - Evening
(February 10, 2022) - SB 5927 - Second and Third Reading
While cannabis retail would remain cash heavy if SB 5927 were enacted, senators unanimously voted for a one year sentencing enhancement for first and second degree robberies.