Black Excellence in Cannabis
(BEC)

The lab certification bill was advanced, new introductions were drying up before the first cutoff, two bills were positioned for execs on Wednesday, and the data dashboard bill could be passed by the House.

Three cannabis-related bills were scheduled to be heard and four executive sessions were planned for the week which would include cancellations of most regular WSLCB meetings.

Legislators heard testimony on five cannabis-related bills on Tuesday, a variant on the impaired driving bill was readied for introduction, and WSLCB leaders would be called upon to provide “technology updates.”

A new board member questioned staff recommendations on two alcohol rulemaking petitions before members approved filing proposed product sample rules and heard public remarks.

Senators heard an hour of largely supportive testimony on producer direct sales on Monday and representatives planned to host public hearings on three cannabis-related bills on Tuesday.

A supermajority of the 23 people who testified supported legislation to allow direct sale of cannabis flower by producers, although questions were raised about market impacts.

While taking no position, agency remarks on a bill to move producer/processor regulation to WSDA raised questions of cost and timing, though all but one member of the public testified in favor.

A bill to permit collective bargaining by cannabis agricultural workers was supported by claims it may help worker conditions, but opposed by those who felt the cannabis sector was singled out.

Leaders and the public welcomed a board member to their new post as Chair, plus rulemaking  and petition actions included adoption of social equity rules which drew criticism in public comments.

Proposed social equity program changes garnered a mix of support and criticism during their hearing, plus almost all public comments reflected doubt WSLCB would improve the situation.