Washington State Senate
(WA Senate)

Legislators learned about low-THC beverages, would hear potentially significant cannabis packaging bills, and prepared to host executive sessions on interstate commerce legislation.

15 cannabis bills—3x as many as were pre-filed—would be active as of Monday while the WSLCB board moved towards opening the social equity program retail application window.

Four new cannabis bills were scheduled for introduction in the senate, interstate commerce was ready to be moved in both chambers, and the social equity hearing was briefly continued.

A bill to open Washington cannabis businesses to interstate commerce under certain conditions drew unified support from the sector, but opposition from advocates who prioritized social equity.

Most speakers welcomed WSLCB request legislation expanding the social equity program, though several testifying wanted to see changes to avoid “oversaturation” of the retail market.

Comments on a bill to ban pre-employment cannabis testing for many businesses got supportive testimony from the cannabis sector, labor interests, and police, with some business voices dissenting.

Although only five cannabis-specific bills were pre-filed, the convening of the Washington State Legislature portended significant changes to the policy landscape and operating environment.

Several cannabis retailers told lawmakers licensed businesses were diverting products to illegal cannabis markets while calling for enforcement, licensing, and reporting changes.

Previews of bills to expect during the upcoming Washington State legislative session would likely be shared at events organized by WACA, the Hemp in Food Task Force, and WSLCB.

Ahead of the 2023 session, committee members heard about the response to organized retail crime, including staff of the attorney general’s office and cannabis retail representatives.