Washington State Department of Commerce
(WA Commerce)

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.

The task force adopted work group recommendations to significantly increase spending on grants, establish loans for equity applicants, and open grants to qualified existing licensees.

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.

WSLCB Director Rick Garza shared new details about the background, leadership, and advocacy of CANNRA as he encouraged traffic safety officials to affiliate with the organization.

After a presentation on prospective Department of Commerce grant and mentorship programs for equity applicants, work group members and the public delved into potential details.

As a social equity task force work group began considering how to distribute $3.62M in grants, another task force prepared to disband, leaving cannabis science under the care of regulators.

Governor Inslee signed the biennium operating budget which appropriated cannabis excise tax revenue and other general fund tax dollars among more than a dozen agencies.

Governor Inslee signed a legislative response to a court case which invalidated the state drug possession statute, and lawmakers allotted more than $172 million to address the ruling.

After work group members identified themselves and staff went over scope and responsibilities, questions were raised about who could contract as a social equity mentor and how to qualify for grants.