Cannabis Regulators Association
(CANNRA)

Starting in 2024, Washington job seekers will no longer be discriminated against due to the presence of non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites during most pre-employment drug testing.

The Governor approved a bill to allow interstate cannabis agreements if the practice became permitted by federal government action - and legislation had been introduced in Congress to do just that.

An update on the 2023 legislative session hinted at a potential special session to revise a Blake bill on drug use and treatment, then staff discussed input on the medical cannabis system.

Board members learned more about environmental pesticide investigations and test results before hearing a proposal for a dedicated research unit at the agency and legislative updates.

Without guidance in defining ‘cannabinoid,’ consensus on its meaning or the scope of work for the group proved difficult, but agreement to prioritize regulatory issues emerged.

WSLCB officials were peppered with questions as they discussed their regulatory practices around youth access, social equity, hemp, and agency reorganization with lawmakers.

Legislation to permit out-of-state ownership and suspend inactive producers received mostly supportive testimony, with opposition centered on equity implications from the change.

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

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

WSLCB Board Member Jim Vollendroff spoke candidly about his history, his goals as a cannabis regulator, and his commitment to helping licensees achieve success.