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WSLCB Staff to Request Extension of Social Equity Application Window to April 27, 2023

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To:       Current and Potential Social Equity Cannabis Retail Applicants

Fr:        Liquor and Cannabis Board

Re:       LCB Staff to Request Extension of Social Equity Application Window to April 27, 2023

Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) staff will bring an emergency rule proposal to extend the March 30, 2023 application deadline for social equity cannabis retail licenses to April 27, 2023. Staff will propose this extension at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting on March 29, 2023.

Challenges Forming Business Entities

The Secretary of State’s Office is currently backlogged processing business entity applications. While the Office is working diligently to clear the backlog, the delay in processing impacts the timely completion of all necessary requirements for some applicants who are seeking to form a business entity. Under current rules, applicants have 30 days to complete the application process. However, out of an abundance of caution and fairness to those applicants seeking to form a business entity, staff will propose the extension.

Should the Board choose to accept staffs’ proposal, the emergency rule will be promptly filed with the state Code Revisor’s Office and communicated via GovDelivery, the LCB website and normal LCB communication channels.

Application Tips

Applicants can still apply for a retail license until the window closes. Please review the LCB website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Keep in mind the following information when preparing and submitting an application.

  • You may only apply for a Social Equity License once.
  • This program is for retail licenses only. Producer/processor licenses are not available.
  • You cannot make changes to your business structure after submitting your application, so make sure it is correct before submitting your application.
  • After the application window closes on March 30, third-party contractor Ponder Diversity Group will reach out with a link to create an account to submit verification documentation.
  • After you apply, check your Business Licensing account to ensure the application was submitted and payment was made. Applications that are incomplete or have insufficient funds on March 30, 2023 will not be processed.

If you are interested in applying for a Social Equity license, please review the applicant checklist on the LCB website. For further assistance, review our Frequently Asked Questions page, where you can also submit your own questions.

The House of Cannabis to Debut in SoHo on April 7th, Ticket Sales Live

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“A Multi-Sensory, Immersive Journey into Cannabis Culture”

NEW YORK: The House of Cannabis (THCNYC) announces tickets are on sale for an April 7th grand opening. The House of Cannabis is the first-ever, permanent home celebrating “high culture” and its impact on music, art, fashion, social reform and cultivation. Ten mind-bending, immersive experiences created by artists and filmmakers, transport guests through the many dimensions of cannabis culture. Tickets are available at www.thcnyc.com.

“This is the first-ever physical home to shine light on the incredible ways that cannabis has influenced culture”

“This is the first-ever physical home to shine light on the incredible ways that cannabis has influenced culture,” Robert Frey, CEO, Westside Museum LLC, said. “Whether you are a cannabis aficionado, have a recreational or medicinal relationship to the plant or are just canna curious, I think everyone will be amazed by the artistry and narrative behind the experiences. If you understand the cannabis community, you know it is about connectivity, creativity, and important issues affecting social reform. We wanted to create an elevated space that helps foster these community values.”

A 30,000 square foot historic cast iron building is home to this new destination at the iconic intersection of Howard and Broadway. The space also features a private lounge and ground level gathering space featuring community events, a café, corner store, live glassblowing and a curated assortment of cannabis inspired lifestyle products.

The ticketed exhibition spaces will be open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM. For more information, visit www.thcnyc.com and follow along on Instagram at @THCNYC.

9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo is March 29-31, 2023

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COLORADO: Indigenous leaders in the hemp industry are gathering at the 9th annual NoCo Hemp Expo, the world’s most comprehensive industrial hemp business conference and trade show. The event will take place on March 29-31, 2023, at the historic Broadmoor Resort & Convention Center in Colorado Springs. 

Indigenous Leaders Working Group Meeting

Native American leaders will gather on Wednesday, March 29, 2-4 p.m. MT, for an Indigenous Leaders Working Group Meeting facilitated by Winona LaDuke, Director of Honor the Earth and the Anishinaabe Agriculture Institute and founder of Winona’s Hemp, and Mary Jane Oatman, Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association and Founder and Publisher of THC Magazine. Indigenous leaders also will participate in educational programming throughout the event.

Indigenous Exhibit Pavilion

Plus, NoCo Hemp Expo will host a dedicated exhibit pavilion featuring leading Indigenous producers and organizations, including:
– Winona’s Hemp/Anishinaabe Agriculture Institute
– Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
– Canndigenous CBD
– Prairie Band Agriculture/Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
– Turquoise Indigo Fibers
What: 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo
When: March 29-31, 2023
Where: The Broadmoor Resort, Colorado Springs, CO

LA County Ask Public For Feedback On Cannabis Equity Program

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CALIFORNIA: The LA County Office of Cannabis Management is inviting the public to join an upcoming community meeting and help determine what an equitable cannabis industry in LA County looks like.

OCM, part of the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, is hosting four in-person Community Feedback Sessions during March as it develops the County’s future Cannabis Equity Program.

Feedback gathered from the sessions will inform final recommendations for the County’s future Cannabis Equity Program and follows the release of the County’s Cannabis Equity Assessment. The assessment evaluated current cannabis industry current practices and recommended ways to support equity in commercial cannabis licensing.

The sessions will give LA County residents, community organizations and business owners an opportunity to learn more about the assessment’s findings and to provide input on Cannabis Equity Program’s eligibility criteria, as well as resources and services that should be offered to those who qualify for the program.

The first session will be held on March 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the East Los Angeles Library. To register for upcoming Community Feedback Sessions and review the full Equity assessment on the website.

Spanish translation services, light food and refreshments and free on-site parking will be offered.

Those unable to attend an in-person session, an online feedback session will be held March 23, 2023, from 12– 1 p.m. Click here to register for the online session.

Washington Social Equity Cannabis Retail License Application Window Open Wed. Mar. 1, 2023 – March 30, 2023

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WASHINGTON: The cannabis Social Equity retail license application window opens this upcoming Wednesday, March 1. The application window will be open for 30 days and close on March 30, 2023.  Applicants may only apply one time.  Check to see if you qualify for the program on the LCB website.

To get started, view the Applicant Checklist on the LCB website to review the steps to prepare to apply for the program. There are resources available to help applicants learn about the program and assist with the application process.

Applications will be available through the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Services portal. In order to log in, you will need a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. Details on how to register for a SAW account can be found on the Applicant Checklist in step 3.

All applications will be forwarded to the third-party contractor, Ponder Diversity Group, to verify eligibility.  Upon request, applicants will need to provide the verifying documentation directly to Ponder Diversity Group.

If you have additional questions, please view the LCB’s Frequently Asked Questions page to review common questions the LCB has received and to submit your own.

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.

Cannabis Conference Partners With Minority Cannabis Business Association for 3rd Annual Diversity Scholarship Program

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NEVADA: Cannabis Conference, the cannabis industry’s leading educational event for plant-touching businesses, has announced it is continuing its partnership with the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) to launch its 3rd annual Cannabis Conference Diversity Scholarship Program to promote equality and diversity in the cannabis industry and to provide prospective and current minority entrepreneurs with educational opportunities and resources to help grow their businesses.

The program will provide 20 selected MCBA members with complimentary All-Access Passes to Cannabis Conference 2023, happening Aug. 15-17, 2023, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, to allow them to network and learn from industry experts. Cannabis Conference, produced by the award-winning media brand Cannabis Business Times, will bring together 3,000+ prospective and industry-leading cannabis cultivators, retailers, extraction professionals and brands, as well as university professors, consultants, and technology and solutions providers for two days of education, networking and an 85,000-square-foot expo hall.

In addition to the All-Access Passes, Cannabis Conference will provide 20% off registration to all MCBA members.

The Cannabis Conference Diversity Scholarship Program is part of the Cannabis Business Times’ and Cannabis Conference’s ‘Game Changer’ MCBA membership, totaling nearly $100,000 in support. In addition to the scholarship program, Cannabis Business Times will provide print and digital MCBA-related promotions to support the organization’s efforts to serve the specific needs of minority cannabis entrepreneurs and their communities.

“We are so pleased to partner again with MCBA to provide not only scholarships to Cannabis Conference but also promotional support to help raise awareness about the great work that MCBA is doing to serve the needs of minority cannabis entrepreneurs,” said Noelle Skodzinski, editorial director of Cannabis Conference and Cannabis Business Times. “The war on drugs has had a disproportionate impact on minority communities, and it is vital to address this and work to support diversity and equality within the industry.”

“At MCBA, we believe that diversity drives innovation, creativity and equity. That’s why we’re thrilled to once again partner with Cannabis Business Times and Cannabis Conference on the annual Diversity Scholarship Program, aimed at supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry,” said Kaliko Castille, MCBA Board President. “With this initiative, we hope to provide opportunities for talented individuals to further their education and careers, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic industry for all.”

Diversity Scholarship Program applications are now open. (Passes will be allocated at the discretion of MCBA.) Click here to apply.

Michigan: Social Equity Education Session Featuring Legacy Community Partners

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Event Date: February 23, 2023 10:00 AM

Join Inglish Reed-Jones and Evan Daugherty from LCP as they discuss how they connect businesses and community organizations. They will present on three main pillars:

  • Authentic community engagement – how to elicit genuine and ample feedback from the community.
  • Meeting the need – identifying the specific needs of a community/neighborhood and putting together the resources to meet the need.
  • Stake in the game – ensuring that the community is earnestly invested in your success and feels included in your infrastructure.

Inglish and Evan will show how these pillars are designed to produce significant results.

Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Place: Zoom Webinar
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84291536455?pwd=bjFxWi9PL1g4cm9ZS01lVTJ3MEVoZz09
Passcode: 149406
Telephone:
USA 215 446 3656 US Toll
USA 888 363 4734 US Toll-free
Conference code: 3392693

The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session, which will allow the attendees to ask questions that may be answered in real-time.

Previous CRA Education Sessions are available on the CRA website; click here to be directed to the CRA video library.

If you or your company would like to participate in a future CRA Education Session, please email us at CRA-SocialEquity@Michigan.gov.

WSLCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group Meeting: Feb. 1.

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The LCB will hold its second Cannabinoid Science Work Group (CSWG) meeting on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2023 from 1 – 2:00 p.m. The agenda is located here.

This meeting will be held virtually. Details on how to observe the meeting are located below:

To connect to MS Teams and observe 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:

  • Conference ID: 633 619 541#

Please note that the phone-in option is intended only for listening to the meeting. All attendees online and on the phone will be muted and cameras will not be available. Only the Cannabinoid Science Work Group members and agency staff will have audio and video capabilities during the meeting. Chat and emoji/reaction features will not be available.

The meeting will be recorded and available on the LCB YouTube channel as soon as possible following the meeting’s conclusion.

About the LCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group

The LCB has been working on developing policy related to the regulation of cannabinoids. Since Nov. 2020, the agency has worked with the cannabis industry, the Washington State Legislature, partner agencies and other states to better understand the science of the cannabis plant. The LCB has hosted a series of discussions related to products other than delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), engaged in rule discussions, and proposed legislation to address some of the issues arising since that time. The agency believes it would be beneficial to assemble a group of experts to have regular dialogue on the rapidly changing issues related to cannabinoids.

The objective of the CSWG is to collaboratively and transparently explore and build foundational understanding of the “plant of the genera Cannabis, as well as synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in the plant” (see RCW 69.50.204(c)(30)). The current CSWG Charter can be viewed here.

First Meeting of the WSLCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group

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WASHINGTON: The LCB will hold its first Cannabinoid Science Work Group (CSWG) meeting on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 from 10 – 11:00 a.m.

The agenda is located here.

To connect to MS Teams and observe 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:

Please note that the phone in option is intended only for listening to the meeting. All attendees online and on the phone will be muted and cameras will not be available. Only the Cannabinoid Science Work Group members and agency staff will have audio and video capabilities during the meeting. Chat and emoji/reaction features will not be available.

About the LCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group

The LCB has been working on developing policy related to the regulation of cannabinoids. Since Nov. 2020, the agency has worked with the industry, the Washington State Legislature, partner agencies and other states to better understand the science of the cannabis plant. We have hosted a series of discussions related to products beyond delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), engaged in rule discussions, and proposed legislation to address some of the issues arising since that time. We believe it would be beneficial to assemble a group of experts to have regular dialogue on the rapidly changing issues related to cannabinoids.

The objective of the CSWG is to collaboratively and transparently explore and build foundational understanding of the “plant of the genera Cannabis, as well as synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in the plant” (see RCW 69.50.204(c)(30)). A draft of the CSWG Charter can be viewed here.