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
Rede Group - Public Health + Youth Prevention Marijuana Summit - 2021 - Delta-8 THC and Other THC Isomers
(September 28, 2021) - Summary
Cannabis regulators from multiple states---including the leadership of CANNRA---discussed public health concerns and ways to regulate delta-8-THC and other novel cannabinoids.
The Week Ahead
(November 1, 2021)
Prevention and social equity advocates would convene online, while a cannabis trade association would host state legislators, regulators, and researchers for in person discussion.
WA SECTF - Public Meeting
(September 14, 2021) - Legislative Proposals - Disproportionately Impacted Communities
Members adopted an algorithm for determining disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) but postponed consideration of two social equity application process recommendations.
WA House COG - Committee Meeting
(October 21, 2021) - WSLCB Updates
WSLCB leadership briefed the committee on “Cannabis Regulatory Issues and Implementation of Recent Legislation” after Gillian Schauer described delta-8-THC “health and safety risks.”
The Week Ahead
(October 25, 2021)
As the Cannabis Science Task Force wrapped up its work and moved to fade into its sunset, the Social Equity Task Force was prepared to adopt its most ambitious legislative agenda yet.
DOE - Cannabis Science Task Force Steering Committee
(October 1, 2021) - Legislative Proposals
A request bill to modify the timeline for Ecology to take on lab accreditation was shelved following “stakeholder research,” while potential legislation to create a lab standards body carried on.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(October 13, 2021) - Legislative Affairs Update
Director of Legislative Relations Chris Thompson went over the status of two potential agency request bills (lab standards, cannabinoid regulation) and an upcoming briefing to lawmakers.
Rede Group - Public Health + Youth Prevention Marijuana Summit - 2021 - Keynote
(September 28, 2021) - Summary
CANNRA Executive Director Gillian Schauer shared her personal view of the current state of cannabis policymaking nationwide before addressing associated public health topics.
WA SECTF - Work Group - Licensing - Public Meeting
(September 22, 2021) - Legislative Proposals
- USA - Washington
- Washington State Legislative Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis Licensing Work Group
The work group reached consensus on recommendations to the task force covering additional social equity retail licenses, license mobility, and a market share metric for equity.
The Week Ahead
(October 18, 2021)
A busy week inclusive of hearings on a local ban, medical cannabis taxation, social equity, and product testing would culminate in a legislative work session setting the stage for 2022.