Black Excellence in Cannabis
(BEC)

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.

Two petitions were denied, new delays in rulemaking were announced although language for two projects was forthcoming, and the public both praised and condemned the outgoing chair.

New petitions and draft rule language were forecast for rulemaking projects over the next several weeks, and public criticism of the social equity program at WSLCB continued.

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.

WSLCB staff postponed several rulemaking projects before the Board enabled cannabis businesses to accept checks then heard comments in the aftermath of the Kim Potter debacle.

Rulemaking ruled the meeting including a petition on transportation, final rules on patient excise tax exemptions, and hearings on payment options, THC, and social equity; public comments followed.