The Cannabis Alliance

An organic-equivalent standard remained elusive, but a WSDA official and WSU researcher offered ideas regarding hemp and cannabis regulation before responding to attendee comments.

A selection of events reflecting the diversity and complexity of the Cannabis sativa plant were scheduled by the WSLCB, WSU, WTSC, DOH, and Cannabis Alliance during the week.

Board members adopted final rules for THC regulation, hosted a public hearing on cannabis product samples, and started a project on Employee Stock Ownership Plans.

WSLCB staff postponed several rulemaking projects before the Board enabled cannabis businesses to accept checks then heard comments in the aftermath of the Kim Potter debacle.

Rulemaking ruled the meeting including a petition on transportation, final rules on patient excise tax exemptions, and hearings on payment options, THC, and social equity; public comments followed.

After staff explained potential rule changes on sales of cannabis waste, participants gave input on how to reduce disposal costs and the wider environmental impacts from the market.

Besides a call for minor changes to rules implementing a patient tax exemption, board members heard about an alleged “bait and switch” tactic being used on some equity applicants.

Agency leaders covered request legislation and a possible hemp bill; applications advancing in the social equity program; along with research and traceability updates.

A full week of policymaking at WSLCB would be followed by an industry attempt to bridge gaps within the cannabis community caused by inequitable federal treatment of marijuana and hemp.

Participants offered feedback to DOH staff questions related to their medical cannabis testing requirements and then posed questions of their own to officials.