Washington State Senate
(WA Senate)

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.

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.