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Second Meeting of the WSLCB Cannabis Quality Control Standards Work Group

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WASHINGTON: The LCB will hold a Cannabis Quality Control Standards Work Group meeting on March 2, 2023, from 1 to 2 p.m. The agenda is available here.

The objective of the LCB Cannabis Quality Control Standards Work Group is to evaluate the effectiveness of rule changes to WAC sections 314-55-101, 314-55-102, and 314-55-1025 that took effect on April 2, 2022. These rule changes updated cannabis sampling and testing standards, and introduced the new rule requiring laboratory pesticide testing for all cannabis products produced and sold in Washington.

To connect to MS Teams and watch the meeting on a smart phone or computer, click here, then:

  • If you have the MS Teams app on your device, select “Open Microsoft Teams” when prompted.
  • If you do not have the MS Teams app, select “Continue on this browser” when prompted.

To listen to the meeting by phone:

  • Call +1 564-999-2000,,401423352#
  • Conference ID: 401 423 352#

Please note that only the Cannabis Quality Control Standards Work Group members and agency staff will have microphone and video functions active during the meeting. Chat features will not be available.

Please contact rules@lcb.wa.gov if you have questions about the work group.

Washington Social Equity Retail License Application Window Opens Mar. 1, 2023

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WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) will open the application window for at least 44 social equity retail cannabis licenses Mar.1, 2023. The 30-day application window closes Mar. 30, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

The LCB has held in reserve 44 retail licenses that were forfeited, cancelled, revoked or never issued that will be available in jurisdictions across the state. To qualify for the Social Equity program, each applicant must have at least a 51% majority ownership interest, must be a person(s) who has resided in Washington State for six months prior to the application date, and meets at least two of the following qualifications:

  1. The social equity applicant(s) have lived in a disproportionately impacted area (DIA) in Washington State for a minimum of five years between 1980 and 2010.
  2. The social equity applicant or a family member of the applicant has been arrested or convicted of a cannabis offense.
  3. The social equity applicant’s household income in the year prior to submitting the application was less than the median household income within the state of Washington, which is $82,400.

The LCB last week posted maps indicating Disproportionately Impacted Areas. The interactive maps are an essential tool for identifying whether an applicant meets one of the above three criteria to qualify for the program. Disproportionately Impacted Areas were defined by the legislature. They include those census tracts that meet the following criteria:

  • High poverty rate;
  • High rate of participation in income-based federal programs;
  • High rate of unemployment; and
  • High rate of convictions.

Tools for Applicants

The LCB and its partners have provided several tools to help applicants including:

  • Upcoming webinars on Jan. 24 and Jan. 28 to inform and help guide potential applicants through the licensing process and the documentation they will need to apply;
  • In collaboration with MakeGreenGo!, social equity applicants can sign up to participate in free educational program modules. These modules provide an introduction to business concepts such as financing, marketing, taxes and business planning.
  • The Department of Commerce is developing a roster of mentors and facilitators to support social equity licensees. Mentors will initially provide support services to any early-stage entrepreneurs interested in starting cannabis business enterprises, particularly those who have been historically impacted by high poverty and enforcement of cannabis prohibitions.

LCB Social Equity in Cannabis Website

Potential applicants should begin at the Social Equity section of the LCB website. The site provides a checklist of steps applicants can take now to prepare. As always, the LCB website is the central source of information regarding the Social Equity Program. Please visit the website to learn more about the program, view the DIA maps and access the training provided.

Governor Whitmer Announces New Social Equity Program Enhancement in the Cannabis Industry

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MICHIGAN: The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) is committed to continuous improvement and announced today a new process by which social equity program participants – whose prequalification status has expired – are now eligible to apply anew for prequalification without having to pay an additional application fee.

“Removing this barrier to entry for social equity program participants in the cannabis industry will lower the cost of doing business and promote sustainable small business growth in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “This essential update will directly benefit business owners who have been most impacted by unfair laws and practices and ensure that Michigan continues leading the way in building an equitable, just, and prosperous cannabis industry.”

While social equity applicants will be required to submit a new prequalification application to start the background review process, a new application fee will not be charged.

“Listening to stakeholders is very important to the success of this industry and is one of my top objectives,” said Acting CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna. “I am proud that my team has found a way to make this improvement to our processes a reality for our social equity participants.”

For further information on the application process, please visit the CRA website.

Invitation: Join a Second Conversation on Cannabis Plant Canopy Rules Modernization, November 29, 1-2:30 p.m.

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WASHINGTON: The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is hosting a second conversation on Tuesday, November 29 from 1-2:30 p.m. to explore ideas for modernizing the rules for cannabis plant canopy (WAC 314-55-075).

This conversation is the second in a series of World Café style discussions. Our first session, held on October 4, 2022 can be viewed here. World Café is a participatory workshop method, suitable for groups from 12 to 2,000 participants. It is a structured conversational process intended to facilitate open conversation and discussion. It links ideas among a group to access the “collective intelligence” of participants, and to understand/learn from multiple points of view. The focus is on exploring/innovating on themes rather than on problem solving. The format is designed as a forum for creative/open thinking, and is not suited for scenarios where there is a pre-determined answer or solution. You can learn more about the World Café method here.

During this event, hosts and participants will:

  • Focus on what matters
  • Contribute your thinking
  • Speak your mind and heart
  • Listen to understand
  • Link and connect ideas
  • Listen together for insights and deeper questions

Active participation in discussion is a foundational element of the World Café model. We ask that if you are not planning to actively engage in discussion and wish to observe the conversations – whether in the breakout rooms, the larger group, or both, that you do not attend the event, and instead wait for the recording to become available for observation.

The LCB encourages public suggestions and input on plant canopy rule concepts before the agency decides whether to move forward with development of conceptual draft rules.

To provide public notice that the LCB is considering possible rule changes, the LCB filed a CR 101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry as WSR 22-18-058 on August 31, 2022. This notice was published in the Washington State Register on September 21, 2022.

Are you interested in participating in the conversation? Here’s how:

WHEN: Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from 1-2:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. The agenda is linked here.

WHERE: Join on your computer or smart phone using Microsoft (MS) Teams.

Click here to pre-register for the meeting.

  • If you have the MS Teams app on your device, select “Open Microsoft Teams” when prompted.
  • If you do not have the MS Teams app, click on “Continue on this browser” when prompted.

If you join us virtually, here are a few reminders:

  • Online participation will be structured to allow one speaker at a time through a hand-raising feature on MS Teams.
  • You can also give feedback to us at the email below.

Questions? Contact the rules team at rules@lcb.wa.gov.

Celebrating BIPOC Small Businesses in Honor of Small Business Saturday

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By Veronica Castillo

Small Business Saturday is recognized and celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This is the day to celebrate and support small businesses in our own communities. In large cities, small businesses are the majority of the businesses. The Business Journal reports: New York City has about 560,000 small businesses, Los Angeles has about 340,000 small businesses, Chicago has about 235,000, and Miami has about 180,000.

The Importance of Small, Online Businesses

Small businesses and online businesses are very important to our economy. Just how important? Check out these small business and online business facts:

  • There are 32.5 million small businesses in the U.S.
  • Small companies create 1.5 million jobs annually.
  • 64% of new jobs are because of small businesses.
  • In 2019, small businesses with 10–499 employees performed $70.6 billion worth of R&D work, and employed over 500,000 R&D workers. 
  • Immigrants make up 12.5% of small business owners nationwide.
  • 1.79 billion people bought something online last year (2021).
  • 36% of all small or personal businesses are making their sales on the internet.
  • 18% of local mobile searches convert to a sale within one day.

According to Statista, e-retail sales surpassed $5.2 trillion worldwide, with new heights expected in the coming years.

Keba Richardson Shares Insights on Launching a Small Business Online 

In honor of Small Business Saturday, this month we feature Keba Richardson, owner of K Rich Consulting Co., a company focused on helping people build highly profitable, purpose driven businesses online.  Keba is a visionary keeping up with the changes in our many systems, one being the move from brick and mortar to online retail. She has been launching online businesses for about 10 years now, and offers services to help business owners launch online businesses and/or transition from brick and mortar to online. 

Published author,  CBD business owner, and business coach/consultant, Keba is a mother of one, based in Atlanta, GA.  She is very passionate about health/fitness, and holds a degree in Business Economics.   Specialties include: CBD and holistic health industries, organic social media marketing, strategy, and digital revenue strategizing. 

What kind of services do K Rich Consulting Co. offer? 

“We offer E-commerce coaching/consulting for people who desire to start CBD or herb/supplement brands online and digital revenue coaching/consulting: we help people turn their knowledge and expertise into digital products and services such as courses, coaching programs, or paid memberships.

Our ideal client is someone that wants to launch an online business that is cannabis/hemp, health/wellness based and who wants to turn their knowledge and expertise into digital products and services.”

How important is it for small businesses to have an online presence?

“Extremely important. The average person looks at their phone 500 times per day. As a business owner you need to be where your customers are and today, and in the future, they are online shopping and scrolling social media.”

Do brick and mortar locations need to consider an online sales platform/strategy? 

“Yes! So they are more visible, to build brand awareness, and because a strong presence online helps you stand out and helps you build social proof with potential customers.”

Do cannabis/hemp businesses need different considerations to be successful online? 

“Yes. Although the farm bill made hemp/cbd legal in all 50 states, as a business owner you still need to make sure you’re in compliance with the specific hemp laws in your state. Also with marketing, there’s a lot of red tape on social media and with running paid ads; business owners need to have a good creative marketing strategy in place.”

K Rich Consulting offers online courses/program development for business owners; can you share more insight on this?

“We currently have an automated course called ‘How To Start A 6 Figure CBD Business From Home’, and I offer consulting services to people who desire to create courses and/or coaching programs online.” 

Can you explain what digital revenue is?

“It’s e-commerce, offering products and services that can be purchased online.” 

Photo Credit: Pretty Women Love Cannabis

Veronica Castillo is a writer from Miami, with a pre-cannabis and psychedelics background in insurance and human resources. Currently, she is a resident of the road covering cannabis, psychedelics, and plant-based lifestyles all over the U.S and soon abroad. Follow her journey on IG: www.instagram.com/vee_travelingvegcannawriter and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vee-traveling-veg-canna-writer/

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Washington Commerce Seeking Mentors to Help Prospective Cannabis Business Owners Succeed

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New Social Equity in Cannabis Technical Assistance Mentorship Program designed to help communities historically impacted by high poverty and enforcement of cannabis prohibitions

WASHINGTON: In 2020, the I tried to call Cari but she don’t care she now that additional efforts are necessary to reduce barriers to entry to the cannabis industry for individuals and communities most adversely impacted by the enforcement of cannabis-related laws. As a result, the Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force was formed, allowing approximately 41 additional cannabis retail licenses to be issued for social equity purposes. Additionally, the Washington Department of Commerce partnered with the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) and Make Green Go! to create the Social Equity in Cannabis Technical Assistance Program, providing support for those interested in creating new cannabis ventures and applying for the Social Equity licenses.

The program consists of an online Learning System Module to help educate potential business owners on business planning and development, and group and one-on-one mentoring for applicants navigating the complexities of licensing a retail cannabis business. The easy-to-follow online modules are self-paced and include 17 free videos to help advance an entrepreneur’s understanding of business planning, market research, strategies, accounting, business finance and more. The online program also helps eligible applicants prepare for the LCB Social Equity license application process.

Mentors wanted

Commerce is seeking proposals to create a roster of mentors and a facilitator to launch the mentorship element the program. Mentors will initially provide support services to any early-stage entrepreneurs interested in starting cannabis business enterprises, particularly those who have been historically impacted by high poverty and enforcement of cannabis prohibitions. Later, assistance will target specialized guidance and support to those seeking Social Equity licenses, providing tools and expertise where necessary.

“The Technical Assistance Mentorship Program will help bolster applicants’ preparations for the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s social equity licensing process and help ensure they are positioned for success,” said Alison Beason, Commerce’s Social Equity Task Force Representative. “The program will provide applicants with industry-specific business education, direct mentorship, and assistance developing business and finance plans while offering valuable insight and guidance navigating the myriad of complexities in establishing a retail cannabis business.”

Mentors may be awarded up to $40,000 depending on their proposed plan and budget, with a six-month contract from January 2023 through June 2023. The selected facilitator may be awarded up to $150,000 for the creation of three events in January, March and June 2023 to support program participants and additional in-person or online events.

View and download the RFP for complete details. Proposals are due to Commerce Nov. 28, 2022.

RFP applicant workshop – Nov. 2 A virtual pre-proposal Zoom meeting for prospective mentor and facilitator applicants to the Social Equity in Cannabis Technical Assistance Mentorship Program is scheduled for Nov. 2 at 11 AM.

Register for the Zoom meeting. For questions about the RFP or workshop, contact Elijah Moon, Elijah.moon@commerce.wa.gov, (206) 256-6113.

ASTM International Approves Suite of Cannabis Standards

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PENNSYLVANIA: ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) recently approved a suite of three new standards related to environmental conditions during packaging, transit, and storage of cannabis and hemp flower.

“These standards are designed to support the safety and quality of packaged cannabis and hemp flower as it moves through the supply chain,” notes ASTM member Jonathan DeVries. “This includes the activities following curing and drying, namely packaging, transit, and storage, until it reaches the final end user.”

Included in the suite of standards developed by the committee’s processing and handling subcommittee are:

  • Standard Specification for Environmental Conditions for Post Packaged Storage and Retail Merchandising of Cannabis/Hemp Flower (soon to be published as D8423);
  • Standard Specification for Environmental Conditions While In-Transit for Packaged Cannabis/Hemp Flower (soon to be published as D8432); and
  • Standard Specification for Environmental Conditions While Packaging Cannabis/Hemp Flower (D8450).

DeVries notes that the suite of standards will be useful to a variety of stakeholders throughout the entire supply chain including manufacturers, transportation and storage companies, retailer purveyors, laboratories, regulators, and ultimately consumers.

There are a number of related proposed standards under development and DeVries notes that anyone with an interest in cannabis/hemp flower safety and quality during packaging, transit, and storage is welcome to share feedback.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN. To purchase standards, contact ASTM International customer relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org).

Visit www.astmcannabis.org to learn more about ASTM’s cannabis committee, existing cannabis standards and publications, relevant proficiency testing programs and certification, training, news and events, and much more.

ASTM International is a not-for-profit nongovernmental organization that develops voluntary consensus standards and defers to appropriate government authorities to determine the legal and regulatory framework regarding the control and use of cannabis.

WSLCB Board Action: Permanent Rule Making Replacing Term “Marijuana” with “Cannabis”

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WASHINGTON: On July 6, 2022, during its regularly scheduled meeting, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board took the following action:

Cannabis-related action:

Permanent Rule Making

Approved a rule-making order (CR 103) regarding implementation of Second Substitute House Bill 1210 – Replacing “Marijuana” with “Cannabis.” This permanent rule-making replaces the term “marijuana” with “cannabis” throughout the rules of the Liquor and Cannabis Board in Title 314 WAC.

Concise Explanatory Statement
Memorandum
CR-103 filed as WSR 22-14-111 on July 6, 2022
Questions?

Contact Jeff Kildahl, Cannabis Policy and Rules Coordinator, at jeff.kildahl@lcb.wa.gov.

LCB and WSCPA Partner for Regional Online Retail Security Training and Crime Prevention

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WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has been focused on helping licensed cannabis retailers deal with the 2022 surge in violent armed robberies of cannabis stores. In a retail safety update to stakeholders, LCB Board Chair David Postman communicated last month about the agency’s efforts on this public safety crisis.

Partnership with Washington State Crime Prevention Association

This message is to announce a new partnership between the LCB and the Washington State Crime Prevention Association (WSCPA). The LCB is partnering with the WSCPA to provide security and safety training to retail cannabis licensees and their employees. The goals of this partnership are increased security awareness and an understanding of best practices.

The WSCPA consists of current and former law enforcement personnel, as well as volunteers and citizens who are concerned with crime prevention. The organization provides training, support, development, and implementation of crime prevention programs.

Regional Online Trainings for Licensees and Staff

At a series of upcoming online events, the WSCPA will present crime prevention best practices as well as safety and security recommendations. The WSCPA will train licensees in crime prevention, preparedness, preservation, and provide post-event education The LCB will present information on related laws and rules.

The LCB and WSCPA will host the below list of trainings between May and August. The trainings will be focused on cannabis retail safety best practices and regionally focused to address any unique local circumstances.

Training Dates

We strongly encourage cannabis licensees and staff participated in the training within their region.  If unavailable for the regional training, please feel free to join one or more on a date that is convenient.

May 18, 2022 (Thurston, Pierce, King Counties)

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

May 25, 2022 (Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan Counties)

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 1, 2022 (Pacific, Lewis, Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, Skamania Counties

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 8, 2022 (Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 15, 2022 (Adams, Whitman, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Asotin Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 22, 2022 (Kittitas, Grant, Yakima, Benton, Klickitat Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 29, 2022 (Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

July 13, 2022 (Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Grays Harbor Counties)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

July 20, 2022 Open (in case licensees cannot attend their region’s training)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

July 27, 2022 Open (in case licensees cannot attend their region’s training)

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 

Registration

Please register in advance for the meeting. The below link will bring you to the registration page where you may register for the training in your area.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkceirrzsiGNHdKIy0nz04zHm5IJo0-wj4

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Consolidates Cannabis & Hemp Regulation to Increase Efficiency

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Gov. Whitmer Consolidates Cannabis & Hemp Regulation to Increase Efficiency

Executive Order consolidates regulation of the processing, distribution, and sale of marijuana and hemp into a single state agency

MICHIGAN:  Governor Gretchen Whitmer has taken action to consolidate the regulatory bodies within the State of Michigan that oversee cannabis and hemp processing, distribution, and sale to improve efficiency. These administrative changes will help the state continue growing the hemp and marijuana economy, create jobs, and invest in local communities.

 “Consolidating multiple government functions into the newly named Cannabis Regulatory Agency will help us continue growing our economy and creating jobs,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “And to be blunt-safe, legal cannabis entrepreneurship, farming, and consumption helps us put Michiganders first by directing the large windfall of tax revenue from this new industry to make bigger, bolder investments in local schools, roads, and first responders.” 

Currently, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) regulates hemp, while the Marijuana Regulatory Agency regulates marijuana. Governor Whitmer‘s Executive Order 2022-1 renames the Marijuana Regulatory Agency as the Cannabis Regulatory Agency and tasks it with regulating the processing, distribution, and sale of both hemp and marijuana going forward. Oversight of hemp cultivation will remain with MDARD. This restructuring will allow for a more effective, efficient administration and enforcement of Michigan laws regulating cannabis in all its forms. The executive order was filed with the legislature and will take effect in 60 days.

The executive order also renamed the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs as the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.