April 24, 2024 LCB Actions: Cannabis Related Rulemaking – Medical Cannabis Endorsement Proposed Rules and Legislative Implementation

LCB Actions: Cannabis Related Rulemaking – Medical Cannabis Endorsement Proposed Rules and Legislative Implementation

On April 24, 2024, during its regularly scheduled meeting the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) took two cannabis-related actions:

Medical Cannabis: Proposed rules filed – Public comment period now open

The Board approved a rule proposal (CR 102) to amend WAC 314-55-080 related to medical cannabis endorsements for cannabis retailers. The rules now require retailers to post the times when a cannabis consultant is available on the outside of their building. The amendment also provides additional time for cannabis retailers to address compliance issues before their endorsement is discontinued. To provide feedback on the draft rules, attend a Board meeting (online or in person) or send your comments to rules@lcb.wa.gov with a subject line of Medical Cannabis Rules Comments.

Cannabis Excise Taxes: New rulemaking initiated

The Board approved a Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR 101) to consider amending specific rules and repealing, amending, or creating other rule sections in Title 314 WAC, as necessary to implement Substitute House Bill 1453 (chapter 79, Laws of 2024) which provides an exemption to the cannabis excise tax for medical cannabis patients under certain conditions.