Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
(WSLCB)

The WSLCB Board would learn more about the subject of synthesized delta-9-THC the day before the social equity task force work group on licensing discusses the “State of the Industry.”

The board heard from concerned cannabis stakeholders about legal, health, and economic risks of failing to enforce a prohibition on the use of synthesized cannabinoids in I-502.

Members asked about the potential to include consideration of synthesized delta-9-THC in open rulemaking and had a lengthy discussion on the tone of official statements on the matter.

Board members entertained a possible public relations effort around delta-8-THC before they learned what other states had done or were attempting to do to control use of the compound.

Amidst long solstice days after a week of high temperatures, important decisions about the future of the Washington state cannabis industry were under way - and more heat was expected.

A board member called a special caucus to air confusion about investigating a licensed processor turning CBD into delta-9-THC, kicking off a debate about the law and potential board action.

After a presentation on prospective Department of Commerce grant and mentorship programs for equity applicants, work group members and the public delved into potential details.

A panel of experts discussed the chemistry of the cannabis plant and its pharmacology with a focus on the conversion of CBD into other cannabinoids for commercial products.

During a quiet summer week, the Social Equity Task Force Disproportionately Impacted Communities Work Group would continue clarifying the next retail application window.

A “wave of interest” around the WSLCB-approved Joints for Jabs vaccination program provoked both media inquiry and criticism while the board and staff remained confident in the program.