The Cannabis Alliance

A last-minute hearing on a repackaged bill to regulate synthesized cannabinoids revealed shared public health concerns but testimony otherwise remained just as sharply divided.

Testimony on a bill to exempt registered medical cannabis patients from the excise tax on DOH compliant products was supportive and elicited several questions from lawmakers.

The work group welcomed new members, discussed previously approved recommendations, and hosted an open discussion on potential new license types for equity applicants.

A bill to grant all medical cannabis patients protection from arrest received almost entirely positive testimony, along with complaints about homegrowing and cannabis scheduling policy.

After more than three years, rulemaking on pesticide testing still elicited criticism from many producers and processors, though a few stakeholders suggested enacting and moving on.

A bill requiring accuracy in CBD labeling was welcomed by hemp stakeholders, but dissent centered on definitions cribbed from another bill and whether the legislation was necessary.

With increasing incidents of cannabis retail robbery, legislation adding reporting requirements and sentencing enhancements was seen as helpful, but some argued it sidestepped bigger issues.

A hearing on social equity legislation provoked largely favorable testimony, peppered with repeated questions and comments about proposed buffer zones changes for retailers.

A joint request bill to establish an interagency cannabis lab standards team was wholeheartedly supported by representatives of the agencies which drafted the legislation.

Two visions for the future of cannabinoid regulation were presented to senators, with testimony split between a measure developed by WACA members and WSLCB request legislation.