It’s been over a decade since Washington legalized recreational marijuana – but the state still isn’t able to reliably track cannabis from production through processing to retail sale. That’s according to a recent performance audit from the Office of the Washington State Auditor, which highlights how the Liquor and Cannabis Board failed to implement a digital tracking system … [Read more...] about Washington still relying on ‘stopgap’ tracking software for cannabis industry
Washington
Nearly 150 pounds of marijuana found during Thurston County traffic stop
THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. - Nearly 150 pounds of marijuana were found during a traffic stop Friday night in Thurston County. The Thurston County Sherriff's Office said a deputy was conducting a random traffic stop on a driver who failed to move out of the left lane on the freeway. According to the sheriff's office, the deputy noticed a strong odor of marijuana. The deputy … [Read more...] about Nearly 150 pounds of marijuana found during Thurston County traffic stop
Washington Governor Signs Law Exempting Medical Marijuana Patients From Paying Tax On Specified Products
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) has signed legislation into law to exempt registered medical marijuana patients from the state’s 37 percent cannabis excise tax, which is currently one of the highest in the country. The exemption will only apply, however, to products that have been certified to higher testing standards than typical state-legal products. HB 1453, which … [Read more...] about Washington Governor Signs Law Exempting Medical Marijuana Patients From Paying Tax On Specified Products
Washington To Do Away With 37% Medical Cannabis Tax
Lawmakers in Washington State “recently passed a bill granting an exemption from the 37% excise tax for medical marijuana patients and designated providers,” according to Forbes. The passage of the measure eliminates what has been characterized as “one of the highest tax rates imposed on medical marijuana products.” The bill, HB 1453, was originally introduced last year. Per … [Read more...] about Washington To Do Away With 37% Medical Cannabis Tax
Cannabis Waste in Washington State Would Be Diverted from Landfills Under New Bill
Senate Bill 5376 was recently passed in the House in Washington state on Feb. 29, which would establish new rules for cannabis waste if it became law. Currently, cannabis waste (specifically roots, stalks, leaves, and stems that aren’t considered to be “dangerous”) is dumped into landfills and produces methane gas as it decomposes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection … [Read more...] about Cannabis Waste in Washington State Would Be Diverted from Landfills Under New Bill
Another Senator Signs Onto Marijuana Banking Bill, Saying It Will ‘Take The Target Off The Backs’ Of Dispensaries Facing Robberies
A Democratic senator has announced that she’s joined the list of bipartisan cosponsors of a marijuana banking bill, stressing the need for the reform amid a spate of robberies targeting state-licensed cannabis businesses in her state. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) signed on as a cosponsor of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act on Tuesday, becoming the … [Read more...] about Another Senator Signs Onto Marijuana Banking Bill, Saying It Will ‘Take The Target Off The Backs’ Of Dispensaries Facing Robberies
Proposal in Washington Seeks to Raise Legal Cannabis Age to 25
In 1996, California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Following this, 40 states along with the District of Columbia have legalized the medical application of cannabis. Additionally, the District of Columbia and 24 states have allowed cannabis for recreational or adult-use (although four have yet to launch their commercial retail markets). In all of these … [Read more...] about Proposal in Washington Seeks to Raise Legal Cannabis Age to 25
WA state seizes 50 pounds of marijuana and shuts down South Tacoma pot business
About 50 pounds of illegal cannabis products were seized this week at a South Tacoma business, according to the state Liquor and Cannabis Board. Caveman Medicine was allegedly selling illegal marijuana products without a license at 1305 S. 56th Street in Tacoma, the board said in a news release. The seizure came after undercover investigators, responding to a public complaint, … [Read more...] about WA state seizes 50 pounds of marijuana and shuts down South Tacoma pot business
New Law Gives Seattle Dispensary Employees Stronger Labor Protections
A newly enshrined ordinance in Seattle will give cannabis dispensary workers in the city stronger labor protections, part of an ongoing effort by leaders to make the marijuana industry more equitable. The ordinance, which took effect last Wednesday, requires covered outgoing cannabis business employers to post “written notice of a change in control” and provide “a preferential … [Read more...] about New Law Gives Seattle Dispensary Employees Stronger Labor Protections
Interstate Cannabis Markets Can Thrive by Using Commerce Clause
Cannabis commerce landscape is one of juxtaposition. Thirty-nine states have legally authorized cannabis in some form, but it remains illegal at the federal level and is regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. Some states, however, are forging a different path: passing legislation that authorizes interstate commerce agreements with other states. California, Oregon, and … [Read more...] about Interstate Cannabis Markets Can Thrive by Using Commerce Clause
