University of Washington Addictions, Drug, and Alcohol Institute
(UW ADAI)

Legislators appeared in no hurry to consider cannabis-related bills from the opposite house but regulatory bodies planned to provide updates and signal research directions.

Four cannabis bills were primed for the regular session of the Washington State Legislature which began Monday under burdened conditions given new legislators, fiscal constraints, and national foreboding.

An epidemiologist spoke to her research on THC concentrations and mental health outcomes among adolescents, including a longitudinal study from the UK, before taking questions.

A researcher from the University of Ottawa in Canada discussed his country’s experience with legalization, including health studies he’d participated in, and addressed a couple of questions.

A keynote presenter offered historical context while summarizing academic literature on cannabis and psychosis before addressing prevention, treatment, and answering attendee questions.

UW ADAI leaders gave context for the symposium, promising to highlight researchers from around the world while contrasting their efforts from the historical baggage of Reefer Madness.

A cannabis postdoc presented research on state-level budtender requirements, eliciting specific interests of board members and agency research staff on implementing training policies.

A public health researcher would discuss “Budtender Training Requirements” with WSLCB board members on Tuesday before a more or less full rulemaking agenda on Wednesday.

Seasonal change and the approaching 2025 legislative session were signaled by lawmaker work sessions and a University of Washington symposium on cannabis and mental health.

A long-time leader in the prevention community would co-chair their final meeting of the State research collaborative the same day as a focus group on implementing the cannabis waste bill.