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
(March 8, 2021)
Seven cannabis-related bills were already through the house of origin cutoff on Tuesday which would mark the halfway point of the 2021 Washington State legislative session.
WA SECTF - Work Group - Disproportionately Impacted Communities - Public Meeting
(February 25, 2021) - Scope and Responsibilities
- USA - Washington
- Washington State Legislative Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis Disproportionately Impacted Communities Work Group
During the first work group meeting, members introduced themselves; heard staff briefings on the group’s scope, responsibilities, and timeline; and solicited public comments.
The Week Ahead
(March 1, 2021)
Legislators prepared for a long week of virtual sessions to move bills out of their house of origin while the WSLCB convened the traceability 2.0 work group for the first time since October.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(February 17, 2021) - SB 5004 - Executive Session
Senators amended legislation exempting registered medical cannabis patients and designated providers from the State excise tax, requiring a sunset date and a review of marketplace effects.
WA House APP - Committee Meeting
(February 22, 2021) - HB 1443 - Executive Session
A bill expanding the State’s social equity in cannabis task force and grant program was recommended out of committee after two amendments to limit the legislation were rejected.
WA House APP - Committee Meeting
(February 19, 2021) - HB 1443 - Public Hearing
Legislative staff briefed on a bill to modify the cannabis social equity task force which drew a question on the need for an emergency clause, received some sign in support, but broached no public testimony.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(February 17, 2021) - Summary
A rulemaking project on THC vapor products was completed while another on criminal histories was kicked off during Jane Rushford’s final board meeting as chair of the WSLCB.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(February 16, 2021) - Summary
WSLCB Policy and Rules staff discussed circulating drafts of an agency policy statement on Delta-8-THC and their 2021 policy agenda, plus an imminent rulemaking project to reconsider the applicant criminal history point system.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(February 10, 2021) - Legislative Update - HB 1463
In describing HB 1463, legislation that would require dilution of cannabis concentrates and limit access, WSLCB’s lobbyist said the agency wouldn’t support the bill as written but “we want to see if there’s anything we can do to help” going forward.
WA House COG - Committee Meeting
(February 12, 2021) - HB 1463 - Public Hearing
Sharply divided testimony and at times emotional appeals were presented during a public hearing on legislation to dilute cannabis concentrates and raise the legal purchase age to 25.