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
(October 12, 2020)
WSLCB’s final BIPOC Engagement and opportunity to consider rulemaking on out-of-state ownership could be overshadowed by the City of Everett opening up 3 new retail opportunities.
WA Senate LBRC - Work Session
(September 28, 2020) - Criminal Activity
Senators requested and received a brief update from WSLCB on “criminal activity” which we elaborate on to describe the agency’s enforcement actions and participation in drug task forces.
WSLCB - Engagement - BIPOC
(October 5, 2020) - Summary
WSLCB leadership listened during more than two hours of community feedback, provided some feedback of their own, and shared new details about the Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(October 6, 2020) - Summary
We review a history of WSLCB’s specification of pesticide action levels as the Board denied another petition for change from the Washington SunGrowers Industry Association (WSIA).
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(October 6, 2020) - Initial Update
During Tuesday morning’s brief caucus, the WSLCB Board denied a petition for rulemaking seeking to adjust pesticide action levels and glossed over the social equity BIPOC engagements.
WSLCB - Engagement - BIPOC
(October 5, 2020) - Initial Update
In the second BIPOC engagement, WSLCB leadership spoke before allowing more time for 19 participants to voice deeply held frustrations and offer suggestions for ways forward.
WSLCB - Listen and Learn Forum - HB 2826 Implementation
(September 29, 2020) - Summary
The second forum on WSLCB’s new authorities granted in the wake of the VALI health scare revealed a “balancing act” between public health concerns and business viability.
The Week Ahead
(October 5, 2020)
WSLCB opened its virtual doors more widely for a second BIPOC engagement and the Traceability 2.0 work group may hear about a sole source contract to renew the open data portal.
WSLCB - Listen and Learn - HB 2826 Implementation
(September 29, 2020) - Initial Update
More than 60 participants attended the forum on the implementation of HB 2826 but few shared comments on draft conceptual rules and a proposed Marijuana Vapor Product Disclosure Form.
WSLCB - Engagement - BIPOC
(September 29, 2020) - Summary
An at times contentious facilitated meeting provided an opportunity for agency leadership to hear from people of color about social equity in the industry and WSLCB’s practices.