Washington CannaBusiness Association
(WACA)

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

Legislative staff briefed on a bill to modify the cannabis social equity task force which drew a question on the need for an emergency clause, received some sign in support, but broached no public testimony.

Sharply divided testimony and at times emotional appeals were presented during a public hearing on legislation to dilute cannabis concentrates and raise the legal purchase age to 25.

Legislation which would expand the scope of the state’s cannabis social equity program, assistance grants, and social equity task force received a welcoming policy committee hearing.

A diverse majority publicly testified against legislation to establish a Washington state cannabis commodity commission, although more individuals signed in support.

The committee heard a bill intended to remove the term ‘marijuana’ from use in state law due to its background as a way to imbue cannabis prohibition with racial and social bias.

SB 5004, legislation providing an excise tax exemption for patients registered with the state, drew largely supportive testimony which contested the accuracy of the fiscal note.

Goals for the 2021 Washington state legislative session, which begins Monday January 11th, were articulated by WSLCB agency leadership and Cannabis Advisory Council members.

WSDA staff described program operations, announced allowance of “dietary ingredients,” previewed a web portal, and created a new work group to help expand MIE product types.