Evergreen Herbal

Panelists representing regulators and licensees in Washington and elsewhere weighed in on issues and challenges affecting innovation in the cannabis sector before taking questions.

Testimony on cannabis commission legislation showed an industry divided over benefits and costs, plus the committee recommended bills on cannabis waste and THC-based taxation.

Most supported an out-of-state ownership bill, but two people voiced concerns about the impact on social equity licensees, and a former opponent joined those testifying as ‘other.’

Licensees gave another round of feedback to agency staff engaged in rulemaking on how to set limits and requirements for cannabis product sampling by retail staff.

Staff heard stakeholder feedback as they hoped to simplify cannabis sample rules while also improving accountability around how product samples were utilized within the sector.

The sponsor made reasoned arguments for producer-led cannabis research, but industry members were divided over whether the time was right for a cannabis commodity commission.

Feedback on a bill to legalize out-of-state cannabis license ownership was divided: some companies anticipated benefits while others viewed the move as only helping larger entities.

Several cannabis retailers told lawmakers licensed businesses were diverting products to illegal cannabis markets while calling for enforcement, licensing, and reporting changes.

The WSDA Legislative Liaison reviewed department work impacting hemp and cannabis rules before taking questions about staffing and issues expected in the 2023 legislative session.

A last-minute hearing on a repackaged bill to regulate synthesized cannabinoids revealed shared public health concerns but testimony otherwise remained just as sharply divided.