HI-Blog

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.

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.

Testimony on legislation to revise regulation of cannabinoids emphasized policy pitfalls versus prospective benefits, and hinted at fiscal fallout from litigious hemp industry interests.

After more than three years, rulemaking on pesticide testing still elicited criticism from many producers and processors, though a few stakeholders suggested enacting and moving on.

WSLCB Board Chair David Postman provided an opening keynote speech reflecting on his work and the status of the agency before answering questions of concern to conference attendees.

The board said farewell to the agency public health education liaison and approved revisions to the scoring regime for criminal history background checks on license application and renewal.

Along with a rulemaking update and public hearing, an attorney brought up allegations that their client’s products contained synthesized cannabinoids and asked if a recall had been issued.

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.

The board received a short briefing on cannabis rulemaking, adopted a permanent ban on vitamin E acetate, and heard from a public eager to support farmers and consumers.