Gorge Gold

A last-minute hearing on a repackaged bill to regulate synthesized cannabinoids revealed shared public health concerns but testimony otherwise remained just as sharply divided.

After more than three years, rulemaking on pesticide testing still elicited criticism from many producers and processors, though a few stakeholders suggested enacting and moving on.

A hearing on social equity legislation provoked largely favorable testimony, peppered with repeated questions and comments about proposed buffer zones changes for retailers.

A majority of speakers favored legislation to create a cannabis commodity commission, but questions remained about costs, goals, and the inclusiveness with which the bill was drafted.

Board members voted to restart rulemaking on synthesized cannabinoids and heard directly from two advocates for the practice amongst many more otherwise opposed.

The board heard from concerned cannabis stakeholders about legal, health, and economic risks of failing to enforce a prohibition on the use of synthesized cannabinoids in I-502.

In addition to a rulemaking review, the meeting featured several public comments from cannabis farmers concerned about the impact cannabinoids derived from hemp CBD were having in the state’s cannabis market.

The WSLCB Board and Policy and Rules team heard strong criticisms of the supplemental Quality Control Testing and Product Requirements rule proposal from many stakeholders.