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
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.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(September 30, 2020) - Summary
Significant new quality control rules were proposed and a licensee consultation program was adopted before public comment on WSLCB gatekeeping access to its BIPOC engagements.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(September 30, 2020) - Initial Update
The Board approved filing the quality control supplemental CR-102, adopted final rules for the consultation and education program, and heard public comment about “barriers to entry” encountered at the first social equity engagement.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(September 29, 2020) - Summary
Filling in the blanks on a perfunctory caucus meeting, we spotlight the WSLCB’s social equity efforts, rulemaking updates, and the resurrection of Cannabis 2.0.
WA HCA - Webinar - Impacts of Marijuana Legalization in Washington
(September 29, 2020) - Initial Update
Substance abuse prevention staff at the Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) presented selected research on perceived trends in marijuana use, access, and normalization revealing a narrow focus on anticipated harms.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(September 29, 2020) - Initial Update
During a characteristically brief caucus, members were prepared for formal rulemaking at the following day’s board meeting and evinced the agency’s focus on social equity in October.
The Week Ahead
(September 28, 2020)
Amidst ten meetings of potential interest, the week ahead would reveal cannabis policymaking intentions at the legislature, the WSLCB, and substance use prevention organizations.