Washington State Department of Commerce
(WA Commerce)

As a social equity task force work group began considering how to distribute $3.62M in grants, another task force prepared to disband, leaving cannabis science under the care of regulators.

Governor Inslee signed the biennium operating budget which appropriated cannabis excise tax revenue and other general fund tax dollars among more than a dozen agencies.

Governor Inslee signed a legislative response to a court case which invalidated the state drug possession statute, and lawmakers allotted more than $172 million to address the ruling.

After work group members identified themselves and staff went over scope and responsibilities, questions were raised about who could contract as a social equity mentor and how to qualify for grants.

Legislation expanding the membership and responsibilities of the social equity task force was signed into law, strengthening an influential movement in the Washington state cannabis sector.

Senators adopted committee language for legislation expanding the scope of the State social equity in cannabis efforts - but many Republican members ultimately opposed passing the bill.

Several amendments to legislation modifying the Washington cannabis social equity program and task force were considered by committee members before it was recommended in a divided vote.

Following passage by the House, legislation to modify and expand the State social equity in cannabis task force and program was heard by senators for the first time.

During the first work group meeting, members introduced themselves; heard staff briefings on the group’s scope, responsibilities, and timeline; and solicited public comments.

A bill expanding the State’s social equity in cannabis task force and grant program was recommended out of committee after two amendments to limit the legislation were rejected.