Washington State Legislature

Wednesday April 17th was the last day to pass bills through the opposite chamber (with exceptions). Eleven cannabis-related bills that passed the session’s house of origin cutoff remain in motion – including one bill Cannabis Observer considered inactive after the committee report cutoff. Here are some observations of the cannabis-related bills which have passed both … Continued

Here are some observations from the Wednesday April 17th WSLCB Board Meeting. My top 3 takeaways: The Board hosted a public hearing on Mandatory Marijuana Signage led by Policy and Rules Coordinator Kathy Hoffman (audio – 2m, video). Board Members approved filing the CR-102 at the March 6th Board Meeting. On April 17th, Hoffman presented … Continued

Here are some observations from the Tuesday April 16th WSLCB Board Caucus. My top 3 takeaways: Agency Director Rick Garza discussed legislative and regulatory activity (audio – 23m). At the legislature, Garza had been closely watching activity on the state budget and noted the House and Senate weren’t in agreement on the agency’s budget allocation. … Continued

Here’s a look at the week ahead. WEDNESDAY is the 94th day of the first and longer session of the 2019-2020 biennium. At 5pm PT on Wednesday, we’ll pass the penultimate cutoff deadline on the last day to consider opposite house bills. Cannabis Observer expects to witness significant legislative floor activity over the next three … Continued

Tuesday April 9th was the last day to read in committee reports on bills from the opposite chamber. Of the twelve cannabis-related bills that passed the session’s house of origin cutoff, eleven bills remain in motion. WSLCB Enforcement Restructuring (SB 5318). Engrossed Substitute SB 5318 (ESSB 5318) was passed by the full Senate on March … Continued

Here are some observations of two cannabis bills still moving in the Washington State Legislature and a curious public hearing about a curious bill which was not heard to consider moving the bill. My top 3 takeaways: On Monday April 1st, the House Public Safety Committee hosted an executive session on SB 5605, “Concerning misdemeanor … Continued

Here are some observations of cannabis bills still moving in the Washington State Legislature. My top 3 takeaways: This week, the Senate Law and Justice Committee hosted a public hearing and executive session for HB 1792, “Concerning criminal penalties applicable to licensed marijuana retailers and employees of marijuana retail outlets.” See details on the bill’s … Continued

Here are some observations of Washington State Legislature public meetings from Monday March 25th through Thursday March 28th. My top 3 takeaways: The House Commerce and Gaming Committee hosted a public hearing and executive session for SB 5276, “Concerning hemp production,” which saw the bill amended and passed. SB 5276 was granted a public hearing … Continued

Here are some observations from Monday March 25th and Tuesday March 26th Washington State Legislature public meetings. My top 3 takeaways: The House Public Safety Committee hosted a public hearing for SB 5605, “Concerning misdemeanor marijuana offense convictions.” See details on the Senate policy committee public hearing and executive session, and the Senate fiscal committee … Continued

Here are some observations from several Washington State Legislature committee public meetings during the week of March 18-21, 2019 – and a glimpse of the week ahead. My top 3 takeaways: The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee hosted public hearings on two cannabis bills: HB 1794 (intellectual property) and HB 2052 (testing lab accreditation). HB … Continued