Washington State Health Care Authority
(WA HCA)

The latest Healthy Youth Survey responses showed a downward trend in underage cannabis use, but board members were troubled by the enduring popularity of vapor products.

A WSLCB staffer briefed on the popularity and health risks of high THC products as well as outreach to interested parties in a search for policy alternatives.

Staff and attendees traded ideas for collaboration around messaging and regulation of high THC items, along with developing more respectful dialogue between industry and public health groups.

Concerns about youth substance use and high THC products predominated agendas at multiple agencies, but perspectives of public health and prevention interests remained hidden.

Participants had so much feedback for WSLCB staff soliciting ideas on education and policy changes related to high THC cannabis products that officials considered additional meetings.

Responding to the interests of a board member, WSLCB staff planned to host a focus group on “high THC” cannabis products - though participation was constrained to industry “networks.”

Cannabis and prevention researchers across Washington planned to convene quarterly confabs before WSLCB staff leadership were scheduled to share monthly public updates.

Following Memorial Day remembrance, only the Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery planned to convene their monthly meeting to update service providers.

As the WSLCB Policy and Rules team jettisoned previously planned public engagements to accommodate backlogged work, WSDA staff would review their expanding cannabis programs.

WSLCB leaders would meet privately with public health and prevention advocates to hear their perspectives, presenting another opportunity to ask why these events remain hidden.