Washington State Department of Health
(DOH)

The second forum on WSLCB’s new authorities granted in the wake of the VALI health scare revealed a “balancing act” between public health concerns and business viability.

More than 60 participants attended the forum on the implementation of HB 2826 but few shared comments on draft conceptual rules and a proposed Marijuana Vapor Product Disclosure Form.

Substance abuse prevention staff at the Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) presented selected research on perceived trends in marijuana use, access, and normalization revealing a narrow focus on anticipated harms.

Lawmakers learned about the cannabis-related work of academics affiliated with the Collaboration on Cannabis Policy, Research, and Outreach (CCPRO) at Washington State University (WSU) including studies on rodent brain development and human cannabis use during and after pregnancy.

Director Rick Garza and Enforcement Chief Justin Nordhorn brought WSLCB’s Executive Management Team (EMT) up to speed on the agency’s enforcement reforms and responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director Rick Garza provided a summary of the most recent Regulators Roundtable, a biannual meeting among American and Canadian officials responsible for legal cannabis regulation.

In addition to work group updates, Chair Annette Hoffmann described her presentation to legislators and the Committee passed a previously tabled motion from the Proficiency Testing Work Group.

Drawing over 100 attendees, nine participants commented on new definitions for ‘characterizing flavor’ and ‘terpenes’ instrumental to new WSLCB public safety and prevention authorities.

The WSLCB Board adopted substantially revised True Party of Interest (TPI) rules and heard public comment from an advocate of increasingly influential prevention perspectives.

Board members more tangibly sensed how the State hiring freeze had begun to seize up the agency, and virtual engagements with “communities of color” were scheduled.