Black Excellence in Cannabis
(BEC)

Newly proposed social equity rules changed the application windows, scoring rubric, and title certificate holder privileges, but citizens raised concerns over WSLCB bias and transparency.

Besides a call for minor changes to rules implementing a patient tax exemption, board members heard about an alleged “bait and switch” tactic being used on some equity applicants.

Proposed rule updates to product samples were approved by the board, and staff also described a new PAL approval process before hearing some confrontational public comments.

Board members heard complaints about curtailing public speaking time among concerns over agency rulemaking inaction and changes to the social equity program scoring rubric.

The board was presented with a rulemaking petition on packaging and three on social equity license mobility; they approved updates for medical cannabis endorsements and heard public comments.

Staff claimed several rulemaking projects and petitions would be advanced in June and July, no one spoke at a public hearing, and members of the public voiced complaints.

Staff presented two petitions, one on banning single use vapor products and another on employee stock ownership, opened rulemaking on cannabis waste, and heard public comments.

Staff heard comments on draft changes to the social equity program scoring rubric, including calls to prioritize cannabis market “pioneers” over those with no history in the cannabis sector.