Washington CannaBusiness Association
(WACA)

Several cannabis sector stakeholders talked with the board about their concerns and opportunities during a discussion marking the tenth anniversary of the passage of I-502.

WSLCB members would discuss 10 years of I-502 with an industry panel and the Hemp in Food Task Force was scheduled for a final review of their report to the legislature.

After opening two rulemaking projects and accepting four of five petitions for cannabis rulemaking, board members then heard complaints and compliments in public comment.

The committee reviewed background and amendments on multiple cannabis bills targeting worker retention and training; creation of a city social equity license; and a “Cannabis Needs Assessment.”

A new timeline for social equity rules was hypothesized by staff who looked ahead to a plant canopy rule project while responding to an “unprecedented” influx of rulemaking petitions.

At four tables with small groups of lawmakers, WACA members and meeting attendees honed arguments in support of lower taxes, more advertising, vertical integration, and out of state ownership.

WSLCB leaders heard about national and regional conferences staff had participated in along with updates on media requests, traceability, and a “strategic plan” for social equity communications.

A group of conference attendees talked about enforcement practices, licensing changes, the incipient social equity program, and rulemaking challenges with WSLCB leaders.

WSLCB Chair David Postman opened up about tensions between regulators and licensees, the need to refine cannabis policies, and his wish for the agency to be “a positive force in moving this industry."

Attendees heard about the WSDA hemp program and projects their staff were involved with, then asked about hemp testing and the possibility of Ag regulating cannabis production.