Verda Bio

The task force received an overview of cannabis extraction and product formulation processes and heard status reports from two work groups as an October 31st deadline drew near.

Two work groups presented draft recommendations to the full task force covering product scope and requirements, as well as definitions for ‘hemp extract’ and classification of cannabinoids.

As the WA Hemp in Food Task Force continued honing recommendations, WSLCB staff would host a new “world café” event to gather feedback on canopy before issuing proposed rules.

Members got an extensive review of hemp in food policies in other states, learned five principles regulators wanted recommendations to prioritize, and debated scheduling their next meeting.

After a critical briefing was postponed, task force members offered high-level updates from two work groups and reiterated a need to collect appropriate data to produce a timely report.

Members learned about contemporary cannabinoid research from a UW official then defined and prioritized work group focus areas for reporting back to the full task force.

Members introduced themselves before debating the background and scope of their mandated report, though many were predisposed to laying the groundwork for legislation in 2023.

Work group members supported an expanded role for WSDA in regulating cannabis production, but only after study and planning around costs and implications for equity in the market.

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.

The locus of cannabis policymaking in Washington state would temporarily shift to Walla Walla as an influential trade association convened legislators and regulators to confer and commingle.