Craft Cannabis Coalition
(CCC)

A majority of speakers favored legislation to create a cannabis commodity commission, but questions remained about costs, goals, and the inclusiveness with which the bill was drafted.

Members learned about specific laws and factors regulators had to consider when changing cannabis retail allotments, evoking several questions and suggestions from participants.

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.

The new WSLCB Chair provided more expansive remarks during a public introduction to Cannabis Advisory Council representatives whose comments varied from friendly to confrontational.

Sharply divided testimony and at times emotional appeals were presented during a public hearing on legislation to dilute cannabis concentrates and raise the legal purchase age to 25.

SB 5004, legislation providing an excise tax exemption for patients registered with the state, drew largely supportive testimony which contested the accuracy of the fiscal note.

Members heard concerns from three police and prevention advocates on new legislation to allow adults to grow up to six cannabis plants in their residence, and positive remarks from all other speakers.

Goals for the 2021 Washington state legislative session, which begins Monday January 11th, were articulated by WSLCB agency leadership and Cannabis Advisory Council members.

Participants secured the WSLCB’s commitment to refund withdrawn application licensing fees in a prelude to the first meeting of the Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis.