Washington CannaBusiness Association
(WACA)

The sponsor made reasoned arguments for producer-led cannabis research, but industry members were divided over whether the time was right for a cannabis commodity commission.

Feedback on a bill to legalize out-of-state cannabis license ownership was divided: some companies anticipated benefits while others viewed the move as only helping larger entities.

A public hearing on cannabinoid legislation had a mix of support from public officials and prevention groups, as well as opposition/other remarks from hemp and cannabis interests.

A bill creating cannabis tax tiering received supportive testimony and many neutral suggestions from industry representatives welcoming a new conversation on product taxation.

Proponents of a 2022 Seattle law on cannabis worker retention policies backed legislation expanding the mandate, but business associations warned against singling out one industry.

Bills to restrict cannabis concentrates had the support of some health officials and an anti-legalization group, but industry members and a consumer advocate tagged them “prohibition bill[s]."

The board reviewed social equity applicant webinars, denied one petition before opening rulemaking based on a different one, and heard feedback criticizing the quality of their data.

A bill adding restrictions on manufacturing and sales of hemp cannabinoid products was generally well received, but many speakers disagreed with the allowable THC limits.

Legislation to permit out-of-state ownership and suspend inactive producers received mostly supportive testimony, with opposition centered on equity implications from the change.

A bill expanding sales and possession limits for low-THC beverages got support from two industry stakeholders, but a consumer advocate dissented over suspected environmental implications.