Washington State Legislative Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis Disproportionately Impacted Communities Work Group
(WA SECTF - Work Group - Disproportionately Impacted Communities)

The cloud storage project was withdrawn; petitions on vapor products and equity applicant scoring were denied; and implementation of a THC bill was initiated by the board.

A WA SECTF panel provided the committee an explanation of how they reached their final recommendations for social equity in cannabis before describing them and taking questions.

After asking several searching questions, the board approved filing proposed social equity rules then heard positive public comments as well as a few claiming obfuscation by board members.

Cannabis social equity task force staff described adopted recommendations and those still in progress before responding to questions about data and goals of the group.

Members adopted an algorithm for determining disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) but postponed consideration of two social equity application process recommendations.

As the Cannabis Science Task Force wrapped up its work and moved to fade into its sunset, the Social Equity Task Force was prepared to adopt its most ambitious legislative agenda yet.

The WSLCB board and a social equity task force work group would convene during the quietest summer month amidst the kind of smoke which does not acknowledge borders.

Task force members heard progress reports from work group leaders and WSLCB licensing staff while the public voiced complaints about the pace of task force work and the absence of the former co-chair.

Dialogues about addressing social and economic equity within and through the cannabis sector continued - in some ways removed from current challenges undermining industry diversity.

During a quiet summer week, the Social Equity Task Force Disproportionately Impacted Communities Work Group would continue clarifying the next retail application window.