Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center
(PTTC - NW)

WA HCA staff presented the newest strategic plan for substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion, touching on the history, goals, and groups that created the plan.

With a change in the Public Health Education Liaison position expected at WSLCB before 2024, a member of the public encouraged the board to look at hiring through a “harm reduction” lens.

Federal health officials raised concerns over hemp cannabinoid products, including impurities; inadequate labeling and oversight; and health risks which could be pronounced in some populations.

A campaign focused on reducing youth cannabis use and impaired driving was getting positive results according to the program manager who presented and answered questions.

Lawmakers were briefed on the continued evaluation of I-502, including the most recent implementation report and an overview of the 2023 report on how cannabis revenue was spent.

WSLCB board members would hear about the Healthy Youth Survey from public health officials while Policy and Rules staff hosted a deliberative dialogue on cannabis impairment.

The cannabis science and equity task forces were scheduled to have pivotal meetings, and a webinar would offer an opportunity to hear from a leading State researcher on I-502.

Sharply divided testimony and at times emotional appeals were presented during a public hearing on legislation to dilute cannabis concentrates and raise the legal purchase age to 25.

The influence of prevention organizations on WSLCB policy was the focus of a presentation from the agency’s public health liaison and remarks from Cannabis Advisory Council members.

Public health researchers and prevention advocates discussed a report associating increased health risks with concentrated cannabis products and ways to enact policy change.