Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
(WSLCB)

Staff presented two petitions, one on banning single use vapor products and another on employee stock ownership, opened rulemaking on cannabis waste, and heard public comments.

Staff heard comments on draft changes to the social equity program scoring rubric, including calls to prioritize cannabis market “pioneers” over those with no history in the cannabis sector.

A WSLCB board meeting densely packed with rulemaking and an anonymized petition to ban single use vapor products would precede a second focus group on the social equity program.

Panelists representing regulators and licensees in Washington and elsewhere weighed in on issues and challenges affecting innovation in the cannabis sector before taking questions.

Agency leaders discussed budget and legislative goals for 2025; rulemaking challenges; work with other states’ regulators; plus a new tribal compact.

Following tumultuous public comment the week prior, the WSLCB Board and staff planned to focus on draft revisions to the social equity licensing program to incorporate lessons learned.

Staff went into specifics on payment flexibility and an excise tax exemption for patients during rulemaking updates as a five year strategic plan for WSLCB neared completion.

After a full week of WSLCB board activity, the Cannabis Alliance planned to host the ninth annual Washington State Cannabis Summit to engage with contemporary cannabis issues.

Efforts to draft improved cannabis testing and additive rules drew skepticism and questions from attendees worried about testing standards, synthetic cannabinoids, enforcement, and more.

Staff went over a reorganization at WSDA including hemp and cannabis programs; the transition of lab standards and accreditation authority; plus tips for hemp licensees.