Washington State House of Representatives
(WA House)

The regular session got underway with the introduction of legislation and a briefing on the budget; Tuesday would include the first public hearing of a bill in the new cannabis policy committee in the House.

In addition to the kickoff of the 2025 regular session, WSLCB board members planned to advance rulemaking and organic-equivalent cannabis could get another look at WSDA.

Four cannabis bills were primed for the regular session of the Washington State Legislature which began Monday under burdened conditions given new legislators, fiscal constraints, and national foreboding.

Legislative affairs, social equity, traceability, rulemaking, and the board’s role at WSLCB were among topics discussed at the first public meeting of agency leadership in 2025.

Two newly released data dashboards on cannabis use and revenue were highlighted by staff who explained their process, potential uses, and agency leaders’ plans for future dashboards.

Legislators planned to host work sessions in advance of the 2025 session which would occasion the final convening of the House Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee.

UW ADAI leaders gave context for the symposium, promising to highlight researchers from around the world while contrasting their efforts from the historical baggage of Reefer Madness.

State legislators and healthcare policy leaders planned to participate in a University of Washington conference on substance use and addiction clinical care, research, and education.

Seasonal change and the approaching 2025 legislative session were signaled by lawmaker work sessions and a University of Washington symposium on cannabis and mental health.

Public health and prevention interests expressed during a closed meeting with WSLCB leaders the previous day were top of mind for board members during the caucus.