Washington State Hemp in Food Task Force
(WA Hemp in Food Task Force)

With the end of their legislative mandate weeks away, members searched for a path forward to advise on regulation of hemp consumables after a THC regulatory bill was signed into law.

Hemp industry members opposed a bill on THC regulation, but an agency representative as well as several cannabis industry, public health, and substance prevention groups backed the move.

Legislators hosted a lopsided hearing on the WSLCB THC bill on Friday and planned to host an executive session on legislation to expand the social equity licensing program on Saturday.

Following the house of origin cutoff, 15 cannabis-related bills remained clearly active - but attention would be absorbed by uncertain ambitions around the WSLCB THC bill.

A public hearing on cannabinoid legislation had a mix of support from public officials and prevention groups, as well as opposition/other remarks from hemp and cannabis interests.

A bill adding restrictions on manufacturing and sales of hemp cannabinoid products was generally well received, but many speakers disagreed with the allowable THC limits.

CANNRA conference participants shared feedback from panels on markets, legal issues, inspections, and social consumption before discussing leadership opportunities in the group.

With a review of scientific literature contracted, task force members detailed remaining concerns and discussed approaches to lobbying for draft legislation on hemp cannabinoids in food.

Several task force members helped develop the scope of a third-party contract to review scientific literature and contemplated a legislative strategy for pursuit in 2023.

Although only five cannabis-specific bills were pre-filed, the convening of the Washington State Legislature portended significant changes to the policy landscape and operating environment.