Washington State House of Representatives
(WA House)

Two changes to a striking amendment were debated—one for quite some time—before representatives passed a bill modifying intended cannabis tax revenue appropriations.

Four synthesized cannabinoid regulation bills had been introduced after cutoff, cannabis-related amendments were in the operating budget, and new QC rules were imminent.

By Tuesday evening, most bills would need to be voted out of their house of origin to continue, but three important—and contentious—cannabis-related bills remained unmoved.

Legislative, regulatory, and lobbying leaders talked about preparing the Washington state cannabis sector for national legalization and interstate trade.

The social equity licensing work group would learn about “Social Consumption Lounges” and the Cannabis Alliance planned to host state officials to discuss crucial contemporary topics.

At the end of session, representatives considered two amendments to a bill permitting importation of CBD for use as a cannabis product additive before passing it to the Senate.

Amidst long solstice days after a week of high temperatures, important decisions about the future of the Washington state cannabis industry were under way - and more heat was expected.

In concurring with revised legislation to re-enact drug possession offenses while expanding treatment and recovery offerings, lawmakers positioned Washington state to move away from a punitive approach to issues of drug use while further dismantling the so-called war on drugs.

House lawmakers shared personal accounts of how drug use had impacted their lives while deeply amending Senate legislation to re-enact drug possession offenses.

With no proposed amendments to legislation forming a hemp processor registry and hemp extract certification, lawmakers offered a final pitch on the bill’s benefits for the hemp sector, securing not quite unanimous approval.