Black Excellence in Cannabis
(BEC)

The Governor endorsed cannabis production unionization legislation granting collective bargaining rights to plant-touching employees, the top priority bill for “the largest union in Washington State.”

The producer unions legislation was passed, a new medical cannabis program expansion bill was staged for introduction, and time was running out for three bills ahead of cutoff Wednesday.

Legislators worked over the weekend ahead of the Opposite House Fiscal Committee Cutoff on Tuesday positioning the cannabis “agricultural worker” unionization bill for potential movement.

Following two public hearings on Monday and passage of the House operating budget, seven cannabis-related bills were up for executive sessions on Tuesday ahead of the next cutoff.

The cannabis policy committee in the Senate shuffled legislation to address House bills before the next cutoff as the behemoth operating budget was maneuvered between the chambers.

Legislators heard the omnibus, production unions, and data dashboard bills on Tuesday and planned to hear two more Wednesday in addition to moving legislation that could revise buffer zone measurement.

Legislators heard supportive testimony to revise buffer zones while committee schedules for the following week showed nearly all cannabis-related legislation and the operating budget would be considered.

The social equity program evaluation bill was advanced, preliminary schedules for the following week were published, and legislators prepared for another day of floor activity ahead of the next cutoff.

Home growing supporters took issue with the cost and need for a traceability requirement amended into the bill which did nothing to lessen opponents’ safety and revenue concerns.

Opponents of home grow appeared to have been assisted by a committee staffer who fabricated revenue impacts, the DUI bill was advanced, and senators may calendar cannabis-related bills on Wednesday.