Washington State Senate
(WA Senate)

After rulemaking and legislative updates, Chair David Postman had a lot to say about committee changes to the last moving cannabinoid regulation and enforcement bill - none of it flattering.

Senators voted in favor of “raising our consciousness a bit” by replacing the freighted phrase ‘marijuana’ in state laws and rules with the more scientifically appropriate term ‘cannabis.’

Staff briefed on a bill with complex changes to recommended cannabis tax appropriations before testimony emphasized benefits for transparency, social equity, and local governments.

Four synthesized cannabinoid regulation bills had been introduced after cutoff, cannabis-related amendments were in the operating budget, and new QC rules were imminent.

While cannabis retail would remain cash heavy if SB 5927 were enacted, senators unanimously voted for a one year sentencing enhancement for first and second degree robberies.

By Tuesday evening, most bills would need to be voted out of their house of origin to continue, but three important—and contentious—cannabis-related bills remained unmoved.

Three senators offered their thoughts around cannabis policy and answered specific questions about potential bill subjects as well as the format of the 2022 legislative session.

Commissioners learned about tax exemptions for medical patients and cooperatives, and the potentially dramatic impact of a statutory change redefining eligible cannabis purchases.

In one day and despite a dozen dissenting votes, a House bill to allow imported CBD as a cannabis product additive was passed by the Senate and sent to the governor’s desk.

Amidst long solstice days after a week of high temperatures, important decisions about the future of the Washington state cannabis industry were under way - and more heat was expected.