Washington State Department of Health
(DOH)

Besides a call for minor changes to rules implementing a patient tax exemption, board members heard about an alleged “bait and switch” tactic being used on some equity applicants.

Agency leaders covered request legislation and a possible hemp bill; applications advancing in the social equity program; along with research and traceability updates.

Proposed rule updates to product samples were approved by the board, and staff also described a new PAL approval process before hearing some confrontational public comments.

Three sets of proposed rule language related to payment flexibility, the social equity program, and THC regulation were all given the green light by board members.

Participants offered feedback to DOH staff questions related to their medical cannabis testing requirements and then posed questions of their own to officials.

After opening the week with guidance on the medical excise tax exemption, WSLCB board members planned to advance three rulemaking efforts with language proposed by staff.

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.

Board members heard complaints about curtailing public speaking time among concerns over agency rulemaking inaction and changes to the social equity program scoring rubric.

Staff provided updates on rulemaking projects and previewed presentations set for the following day on THC serving size, lab authority, and a patient excise tax exemption.

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.