Washington CannaBusiness Association
(WACA)

A supermajority of the 23 people who testified supported legislation to allow direct sale of cannabis flower by producers, although questions were raised about market impacts.

Bills introduced Thursday accrued co-sponsors, a scheduling shakeup was observed, and Friday offered an opportunity to learn how the Consumer Protection Act may be applicable in the cannabis sector.

The hearing on production unions revealed complicated power dynamics around the legislation and four new cannabis-related bills were ready for introduction including out of state ownership and ESOPs.

A bill to permit collective bargaining by cannabis agricultural workers was supported by claims it may help worker conditions, but opposed by those who felt the cannabis sector was singled out.

WACA members had a myriad of questions for former WSLCB Board Chair David Postman as he assumed a new post as Chief of Staff for the incoming Attorney General.

Leaders and the public welcomed a board member to their new post as Chair, plus rulemaking  and petition actions included adoption of social equity rules which drew criticism in public comments.

As activity wrapped for the holidays, WSLCB board members planned to complete social equity work but all other rulemaking activity would be trimmed or further delayed into 2025.

The departure of the Policy and Rules Manager meant rule actions for 2024 would be led by an Acting Manager, including withdrawal of a project on Employee Stock Ownership Plans.

Officials and licensees alike moved to squeeze in policy-related meetings between the end of year holidays as pre-filing for the 2025-26 biennial state legislative session opened on Monday.

Two petitions were denied, new delays in rulemaking were announced although language for two projects was forthcoming, and the public both praised and condemned the outgoing chair.