The Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) purchases health care for Medicaid eligible Washington residents and public employees. The agency also procures funding for the development and implementation of substance use treatment and prevention programs with the intention of "integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents."
Washington State Health Care Authority
(WA HCA)
Public
Observations
WIDAC - Council Meeting
(July 13, 2023) - Most Steer Clear Program Update
A campaign focused on reducing youth cannabis use and impaired driving was getting positive results according to the program manager who presented and answered questions.
The Week Ahead
(June 26, 2023)
Cannabis regulators from across the country planned to meet behind closed doors with selected external stakeholders before private labs met to discuss quality standards outlined by the State.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(March 9, 2023) - WSIPP Work Session
Lawmakers were briefed on the continued evaluation of I-502, including the most recent implementation report and an overview of the 2023 report on how cannabis revenue was spent.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(May 16, 2023) - SB 5187
The operating budget that reached Governor Jay Inslee featured more than a dozen state agencies which received cannabis revenue, or were budgeted for activities related to the plant.
The Week Ahead
(May 29, 2023)
WSLCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group members would be asked to help quantify the legislative mandate to ban products outside 502 containing “any detectable amount of THC.”
UW ADAI - Webinar - Addressing the Risks of High THC Cannabis - The Public Health and Legislative Saga
(April 20, 2023) - Summary
Researchers ran through various efforts to regulate cannabis concentrates which had been supported by some stakeholders before taking questions on how to influence legislators and the public.
The Week Ahead
(April 24, 2023)
The Washington State Legislature adjourned sine die on Sunday, but failed to pass “a Blake fix bill” which would likely prompt the calling of a 30-day special session sometime before June 1st.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(April 18, 2023) - Summary
Board members learned more about environmental pesticide investigations and test results before hearing a proposal for a dedicated research unit at the agency and legislative updates.
The Week Ahead
(March 27, 2023)
14 cannabis-related bills remained active ahead of the opposite house policy committee cutoff on Wednesday including four which had executive sessions rescheduled for amendment work.
The Week Ahead
(February 27, 2023)
After the house of origin fiscal committee cutoff, 18 cannabis bills remained active—one less than expected—as legislators prepared for floor debate over the next week and a half.