Washington Sun and Craft Growers Association
(WSCA)

The work group discussed the costs and social equity implications of either a new agriculture program for cannabis production, or a “lift and shift” of the existing WSLCB program to WSDA.

Following introductions, members contemplated how to improve criminal history checks for social equity applicants and prepared to advise regulators to disregard drug offenses broadly.

Panelists with experience in drug prevention and behavioral science couldn’t reach consensus on the question of what makes cannabinoids impairing during a final dialogue on the topic.

Panelists from previous talks returned to field questions on identifying and regulating impairing cannabinoids, goals much more difficult to reach for cannabis than for alcohol.

The work group’s final recommendations on social equity licensing, including new delivery and social consumption license types, were reviewed at their last meeting.

Legislative leaders of cannabis policy committees talked about a few successes in 2022, and the more numerous failures around medical cannabis, equity, and cannabinoid regulation bills.

A Denver cannabis club owner and a consumer representative shared ideas and policies on social use of cannabis before the group discussed what might work in Washington.

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.

Revised rules requiring pesticide testing for cannabis products were finally adopted by the board, and a variety of critical public remarks preceded a lengthy response from the chair.

Staff briefed on a bill with complex changes to recommended cannabis tax appropriations before testimony emphasized benefits for transparency, social equity, and local governments.