Washington State Department of Health
(DOH)

The Board reviewed the latest information on vapor associated lung injuries (VALI).

The Board discussed the medical cannabis patient registry, reviewed allegations of unjust treatment from members of Black Excellence in Cannabis, and heard a rulemaking update.

Agency leadership learned about the Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) which provides perspective on alcohol, cannabis, and vapor product use by Washington children in grades 6-12.

Agency leadership heard a substantial legislative update in the run up to the 2020 session and hints about the agency’s shifting vision of cannabis supply chain traceability.

Board members reported the Tribal Advisory Council was poised for demotion, the Cannabis 2.0 project had lost momentum, and vapor product regulation continued to cloud the horizon.

The State Board of Health voted to adopt emergency rules implementing a prohibition on the sale and distribution of nicotine and cannabis vapor products containing vitamin E acetate.

Agency leadership heard a substantial update on the legislative landscape for the 2020 session, and a licensee operating a cannabis delivery service garnered agency attention.

CSTF leadership reviewed initial progress reports from its work groups on cannabis laboratory quality standards and proficiency testing.

Agency leadership discussed messaging for Cannabis 2.0, vapor products, hemp/CBD, and traceability while learning the latest numbers from the licensing division.

A NEW “PROHIBITION” on “flavored vapor products” was adopted by the State Board of Health in compliance with Governor Jay Inslee’s mandate creating unknowable economic and public health impacts.