Washington State Department of Health
(DOH)

The WSLCB Board would learn more about the subject of synthesized delta-9-THC the day before the social equity task force work group on licensing discusses the “State of the Industry.”

The board heard from concerned cannabis stakeholders about legal, health, and economic risks of failing to enforce a prohibition on the use of synthesized cannabinoids in I-502.

A “wave of interest” around the WSLCB-approved Joints for Jabs vaccination program provoked both media inquiry and criticism while the board and staff remained confident in the program.

During a hearing on tier 1 canopy and public comment, licensees and citizens spoke to perceived limitations of the Joints for Jabs program, hemp biomass, and market structure.

As a social equity task force work group began considering how to distribute $3.62M in grants, another task force prepared to disband, leaving cannabis science under the care of regulators.

Governor Inslee signed the biennium operating budget which appropriated cannabis excise tax revenue and other general fund tax dollars among more than a dozen agencies.

This week would include interesting events covering a broad spectrum of cannabis-related topics including social equity, behavioral health, delta-8-THC, and substance use prevention.

Policy and Rules Manager Kathy Hoffman walked the board through the past, present, and future of WSLCB regulation of cannabinoids aside from delta-9-THC in legal cannabis products.

WSLCB Director Rick Garza requested time to update lawmakers ahead of a committee work session on the future of the cannabis industry to share regulator priorities and disclose new agency work groups.

Testimony on legislation establishing a limited excise tax exemption for medical cannabis patients registered with the State painted an encouraging picture of potential impacts for patients and the regulated industry.