The Cannabis Alliance

WSLCB Board Chair David Postman provided an opening keynote speech reflecting on his work and the status of the agency before answering questions of concern to conference attendees.

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

Industry, academic, and agency representatives brought lawmakers up to speed on CBD product research and policy development in Washington state.

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.

A single patient offered testimony recommending sales tax breaks be reserved for registered patient purchases of DOH compliant products to incentivize “medical grade” production.

Members asked about the potential to include consideration of synthesized delta-9-THC in open rulemaking and had a lengthy discussion on the tone of official statements on the matter.

The new WSLCB Chair provided more expansive remarks during a public introduction to Cannabis Advisory Council representatives whose comments varied from friendly to confrontational.

Legislation to exempt registered medical cannabis patients from the State excise tax on compliant products received a near unanimous policy committee recommendation, but was not taken up by its fiscal committee.

Testimony on legislation establishing a limited excise tax exemption for medical cannabis patients registered with the State painted an encouraging picture of potential impacts for patients and the regulated industry.

The second policy committee hearing on legislation extending arrest protections to all authorized medical cannabis patients elicited similar testimony and substantial sign in support.