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
The Week Ahead
(November 29, 2021)
2022 legislative session preparations continue as pre-filing of bills begins on Wednesday, interim actions were wrapped up, and required reports filed.
WACA - Fall Policy Conference - 2021 - WSU CCPRO
(November 3, 2021) - Summary
A cannabis researcher from WSU went over academic developments around safety, economic development, health, and agriculture before answering attendee questions.
WA House COG - Committee Meeting
(October 21, 2021) - DOH Update
The head of the Office of Health Professions talked about the medical cannabis program, addressed a study of patient tax exemptions, and discussed patient trends.
The Week Ahead
(November 22, 2021)
While many meetings were cancelled or not scheduled for the holiday week, a new working group at WSDA would consider revisions to the penalty matrix for pesticide violations.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(November 10, 2021) - CCRS Update
Staff reviewed the imminent transition from the existing cannabis traceability provider to a WSLCB reporting system scheduled for December 6th - despite expressed concerns.
WA Senate LCTA - Committee Meeting
(November 15, 2021) - Update on “Impairing” Cannabinoids
Senators learning about delta-8-THC and other novel cannabinoids found the lack of control around youth access “very alarming” as they questioned WSLCB and CANNRA leaders.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(November 10, 2021) - Legislative Affairs Update
The lobbyist for WSLCB gave an update on staff engagement with lawmakers and progress on two draft bills with associated budget requests being prepared for the governor’s office.
The Week Ahead
(November 15, 2021)
Mere weeks away from pre-filing, legislators and agency staff prepared draft bills including the WSLCB “impairing” cannabinoids legislation of interest and consequence to many.
WACA - Fall Policy Conference - 2021 - WSLCB State of the Agency
(November 3, 2021) - Summary
Director Rick Garza shared some observations with attendees, focusing on vertical integration, cannabinoid regulation, medical cannabis, and social equity before taking questions.
The Week Ahead
(November 8, 2021)
- USA - Washington
- Washington State Legislative Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis Technical Assistance and Mentorship Work Group
While social equity work groups continued to review the regulated cannabis market, the body historically responsible for introducing the state controlled substances act was set to convene.