Black Excellence in Cannabis
(BEC)

Board members adopted revisions to pesticide action level rules, planned to begin “hybrid” in-person and virtual events the following week, and heard public comments on retail licensing.

The board received a high level briefing on cashless payment options for retailers, approved filing proposed social equity program rules, and heard several critical public comments.

Staff gathered input on draft conceptual rules for the agency social equity program which included many criticisms of the proposal - and heard opposition to the underlying equity project.

The board approved filing proposed cannabis testing rule changes, hosted a public hearing on regulation of cannabinoids, and responded to several public comments.

Task force members heard progress reports from work group leaders and WSLCB licensing staff while the public voiced complaints about the pace of task force work and the absence of the former co-chair.

After work group members identified themselves and staff went over scope and responsibilities, questions were raised about who could contract as a social equity mentor and how to qualify for grants.

Members introduced themselves, heard about their work group responsibilities, and began exploring potential changes to cannabis business licensing for social equity applicants.

An extensive briefing by WSLCB staff on past cannabis business licensing windows provoked a lively Q&A on the prospective social equity program application process.

A history of racial discrimination in the American drug war and Washington state’s legal industry was described by a task force member, guest presenter, and commenters from inside and outside the industry.

Senators heard a status report on the social equity task force, concerns from past and prospective applicants, and a rebuttal from WSLCB staff on licensing decision making.