The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) aims to develop programs and services to help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions, and ensure Washington state is prepared for emergencies.
Washington State Department of Health
(DOH)
Public
Observations
The Week Ahead
(July 29, 2024)
After opening the week with guidance on the medical excise tax exemption, WSLCB board members planned to advance three rulemaking efforts with language proposed by staff.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(July 9, 2024) - Healthy Youth Survey
The latest Healthy Youth Survey responses showed a downward trend in underage cannabis use, but board members were troubled by the enduring popularity of vapor products.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(July 17, 2024) - General Public Comments
Board members heard complaints about curtailing public speaking time among concerns over agency rulemaking inaction and changes to the social equity program scoring rubric.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(July 16, 2024) - Rulemaking Update
Staff provided updates on rulemaking projects and previewed presentations set for the following day on THC serving size, lab authority, and a patient excise tax exemption.
WIDAC - Council Meeting
(July 11, 2024) - High THC Products
A WSLCB staffer briefed on the popularity and health risks of high THC products as well as outreach to interested parties in a search for policy alternatives.
The Week Ahead
(July 15, 2024)
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.
WSLCB - Focus Group - High THC Products
(July 10, 2024) - Summary
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.
WSLCB - Focus Group - High THC Products
(June 26, 2024) - Summary
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.
WSLCB - Special Board Meeting
(June 18, 2024) - Summary
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.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(June 5, 2024) - Summary
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.