The Cannabis Alliance

Work group members organized a presentation on the policy history and state arrest data related to residential home grows before drafting a recommendation to the task force.

Work group members supported an expanded role for WSDA in regulating cannabis production, but only after study and planning around costs and implications for equity in the market.

The work group discussed the costs and social equity implications of either a new agriculture program for cannabis production, or a “lift and shift” of the existing WSLCB program to WSDA.

Following introductions, members contemplated how to improve criminal history checks for social equity applicants and prepared to advise regulators to disregard drug offenses broadly.

Convened experts had no definitive answer for distinguishing impairing THCs or other cannabinoids, but agreed research was needed to create a legally defensible standard.

Legislative leaders of cannabis policy committees talked about a few successes in 2022, and the more numerous failures around medical cannabis, equity, and cannabinoid regulation bills.

After DOH representatives provided a brief background, two patients, a medical consultant, and a consultant trainer offered feedback on proposed changes to consultant certification rules.

WSLCB staff would accept feedback on the upcoming social equity retail licensure window and the Cannabis Alliance planned to host leading legislators to discuss what happened in 2022.

The caucus meeting touched on existing rulemaking; a proposal to label cannabis vapor cartridges; the highs and lows of the legislative session; and a newly appointed board member.

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.