Cannabis Regulators Association
(CANNRA)

UW ADAI leaders opened the day-long event by claiming revised regulation of cannabis concentrates would establish the state as a wise “big brother” learning from legalization.

Agency leaders talked about progress towards a social equity program, Canadian research on cannabis use and access, and various outreach engagements.

After learning the status of open and upcoming rulemaking as well as several petitions for new projects, board members heard about proposed social equity rules and other agency updates.

Panelists with experience in drug prevention and behavioral science couldn’t reach consensus on the question of what makes cannabinoids impairing during a final dialogue on the topic.

WSLCB leaders heard about national and regional conferences staff had participated in along with updates on media requests, traceability, and a “strategic plan” for social equity communications.

WSLCB Chair David Postman opened up about tensions between regulators and licensees, the need to refine cannabis policies, and his wish for the agency to be “a positive force in moving this industry."

In addition to a full slate of WSLCB public meetings, the agency planned to host a final deliberative dialogue and the social equity task force production work group would meet.

The locus of cannabis policymaking in Washington state would temporarily shift to Walla Walla as an influential trade association convened legislators and regulators to confer and commingle.

An outline of the education approach of the Enforcement and Education division was provided to the board, in addition to rulemaking updates and information on upcoming agency events.

Two OLCC regulators briefed Washington legislators on the Oregon approach to cannabinoid regulation before answering questions on market limits and “pushback” elicited.