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

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.

The WSLCB board cancelled meetings during the holiday week, but WA HCA would host a listening session as staff prepared a report on “High THC Policy” recommendations.

Presentations on public health surveys by researchers from Canada and Oregon gave the board insight into how Washington’s system compared to other legal cannabis jurisdictions.

Board members heard legislative updates, mentioned special guests attending upcoming caucuses, and discussed how to achieve prevention of 100% of retail sales to youth.

The chair of the WA House cannabis policy committee commented on her background as well as legislative concerns and strategies she expected to hear during the 2023 session.

Three Democratic state legislators shared their views on research and pushing legislation around cannabis products with high cannabinoid concentrations, if re-elected.

A research analysis portrayed cannabis consumption, particularly among youth, as one of the top “environmental factors that need to be considered” in mental health policymaking.

A presentation on consumption habits among young adults in Washington described negative health effects, poor academic outcomes, and suicidal thoughts attributed to cannabis use disorder.

A WSU researcher described results of two studies she conducted on cannabis consumption and memory, sharing that her hypothesis on the impacts of concentrates hadn’t been validated.

A researcher suggested changes in availability and acceptance of high THC products contributed to increased use by adults and youth, and gave ideas for monitoring and reducing this trend.