Zips Cannabis

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

The WSDA Legislative Liaison reviewed department work impacting hemp and cannabis rules before taking questions about staffing and issues expected in the 2023 legislative session.

Committee members heard positive testimony on a bill to increase penalties for cannabis retail robberies, and asked questions about the frequency of incidents and other solutions.

With increasing incidents of cannabis retail robbery, legislation adding reporting requirements and sentencing enhancements was seen as helpful, but some argued it sidestepped bigger issues.

Testimony on a craft cannabis endorsement was weighted in favor of those who saw the proposal increasing fairness in the cannabis market, but others were not so sure.

Following arguments from attorneys, a superior court judge ruled an Idaho businessman did not have standing to challenge the statute and rules creating residency requirements for cannabis licensees.

A second dialogue on “Cannabis Plant Chemistry” would draw engaged participants and a Thurston County Superior Court judge would address out-of-state ownership of Washington cannabis businesses.

The Board opted not to voluntarily undertake revision of residency requirements for applicants, nor allow certified fire code inspectors to help ensure the safety of extraction operations.