Washington State Department of Commerce
(WA Commerce)

Members modified the process for local authorities to object to license applications and made technical corrections before approving a bill to expand the social equity in cannabis program.

Legislators asked for additional information during testimony on a bill to expand the social equity program before an unscheduled WSLCB panel joined the hearing to field questions.

Leaders touched on several bills concerning cannabinoid regulation and “inactive” producer licenses in addition to a favorable court ruling and social equity program updates.

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.

Agency leaders met the new Director of Legislative Relations then heard reports on their legislative agenda, social equity, medical endorsements, hiring, work groups, and CCRS.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at WSLCB were discussed along with the budding social equity program, related community engagement efforts, and request legislation for 2023.

Task force members appointed the second new co-chair in two months, heard about 2023 request legislation, then discussed and approved final recommendations from work groups.

After largely encouraging public comments for three city ordinances on cannabis labor and equity policies, the council adopted all the measures and promised more action in the future.

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

The task force elected a new co-chair, learned the status of a technical assistance and mentorship program, and heard allegations about “anti-union” activity of a retailer.