University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute
(UW ADAI)

DOH youth tobacco and cannabis prevention staff interpreted Healthy Youth Survey data, shared public health goals for the future, then responded to questions and concerns from legislators.

Agency leaders would brief lawmakers on topics like traceability, changes may be offered for social equity and THC rulemaking projects, plus public health outreach and media interest in cannabis labs.

Following a march in Seattle, a legislative leader on cannabis shared how she became interested in sponsoring adult home growing legislation in Washington.

Without guidance in defining ‘cannabinoid,’ consensus on its meaning or the scope of work for the group proved difficult, but agreement to prioritize regulatory issues emerged.

Bills to restrict cannabis concentrates had the support of some health officials and an anti-legalization group, but industry members and a consumer advocate tagged them “prohibition bill[s]."

Industry, academic, and agency representatives brought lawmakers up to speed on CBD product research and policy development in Washington state.

Sharply divided testimony and at times emotional appeals were presented during a public hearing on legislation to dilute cannabis concentrates and raise the legal purchase age to 25.

Public health researchers and prevention advocates discussed a report associating increased health risks with concentrated cannabis products and ways to enact policy change.

During the annual state prevention summit, public health and prevention practitioners heard “A Couple of Things About Cannabis” and got an early look at a report on cannabis potency.

WSLCB’s leading substance use prevention staffer provided their first in-depth update in months, pushing back against temporary policy allowances and raising public health concerns.