Washington State Department of Health
(DOH)

The Board heard the latest information on the vaping-related public health scare and Washington state’s response in preparation for emergency rulemaking.

The Washington State Board of Health planned to adopt emergency rules prohibiting the sale of “flavored vapor products” including “marijuana-infused extracts or marijuana concentrates for inhalation.”

The Board prepared to hasten new vapor product rules along towards implementation and learned rulemaking would be restarted to consider canopy adjustments for Tier 1 producers.

On Wednesday, WSLCB will propose changes to vapor product rules in the wake of Governor Inslee’s executive order “ADDRESSING THE VAPING USE PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS.”

The Director briefed on the agency’s request legislation and the vaping-related health scare, which includes a new lawsuit in Pierce County filed against six cannabis product manufacturers.

The latest on all open rulemaking projects including a signal that WSLCB intends to modify vapor product regulation in response to a widely publicized health scare.

A sparsely attended hearing provided an opportunity to learn more about the department’s Medical Marijuana Program, the patient registry, and upcoming rulemaking.

DOH hosts a public hearing on compassionate care renewals and the WSLCB Traceability Advisory Committee will consider how to exit from MJ Freeway.

Participants shared strategies to mitigate costs and phase-in new pesticide and heavy metals testing requirements for cannabis products in Washington state.

The scope of the vaping crisis continued to expand, including a possible case in Washington state and increased likelihood of federal and state action against flavored vapor products considered appealing to children.