Washington State Department of Health
(DOH)

It’s a busy week with next steps on the social equity program, substantial rulemaking, medical cannabis testing, high THC products, along with cannabis consumer and budtender education.

Staff and attendees traded ideas for collaboration around messaging and regulation of high THC items, along with developing more respectful dialogue between industry and public health groups.

Participants had so much feedback for WSLCB staff soliciting ideas on education and policy changes related to high THC cannabis products that officials considered additional meetings.

The board was presented with a rulemaking petition on packaging and three on social equity license mobility; they approved updates for medical cannabis endorsements and heard public comments.

Staff claimed several rulemaking projects and petitions would be advanced in June and July, no one spoke at a public hearing, and members of the public voiced complaints.

State interest in better cannabis education for budtenders and consumers came up when officials briefed board members on a survey conducted between 2023 and 2024.

Staff presented two petitions, one on banning single use vapor products and another on employee stock ownership, opened rulemaking on cannabis waste, and heard public comments.

Agency leaders discussed budget and legislative goals for 2025; rulemaking challenges; work with other states’ regulators; plus a new tribal compact.

Staff went into specifics on payment flexibility and an excise tax exemption for patients during rulemaking updates as a five year strategic plan for WSLCB neared completion.

Cannabis rulemaking was reviewed, including specifics on implementing a patient excise tax exemption at endorsed stores, and a new survey of social equity program applicants.