Washington State House of Representatives
(WA House)

15 cannabis bills—3x as many as were pre-filed—would be active as of Monday while the WSLCB board moved towards opening the social equity program retail application window.

Four new cannabis bills were scheduled for introduction in the senate, interstate commerce was ready to be moved in both chambers, and the social equity hearing was briefly continued.

Looking to add flexibility to when retailers could pay for cannabis deliveries was popular with most people testifying, but two speakers felt the change would end up being unfair to suppliers.

Although only five cannabis-specific bills were pre-filed, the convening of the Washington State Legislature portended significant changes to the policy landscape and operating environment.

Several cannabis retailers told lawmakers licensed businesses were diverting products to illegal cannabis markets while calling for enforcement, licensing, and reporting changes.

Previews of bills to expect during the upcoming Washington State legislative session would likely be shared at events organized by WACA, the Hemp in Food Task Force, and WSLCB.

WSLCB, JLARC, and the Attorney General would convene on cannabis related topics as Washington State legislators met with guests and officials to prepare for the 2023 session.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at WSLCB were discussed along with the budding social equity program, related community engagement efforts, and request legislation for 2023.

Just as social equity rulemaking at WSLCB was concluded, a report alleging abusive behavior by a former task force leader reinvigorated lingering public skepticism over agency progress.

The Hemp in Food Task Force had a new October 31st deadline to deliver recommendations, and the pesticide testing “phase in” deadline for wholesale to retail sales was set for Friday.