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You are here: Home / Archives for WA

Washington Cannabis Retail Licensees Offered Free Security Assessments

March 21, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is encouraging Cannabis Retail Licensees to take advantage of no-cost assessments offered through the LCB’s contract with security management firm Setracon, Inc.  Assessments are voluntary, on-site security assessments of individual cannabis retailers across Washington State.

Note: this free service for cannabis licensees is available only for a limited time. Please consider taking advantage of this opportunity soon.

Security Assessment Information

For cannabis retail stores, choosing to participate is completely voluntary. The goal is to create a positive process to manage security risks at each individual establishment.

Among the services Setracon, Inc. will provide include:

  1. Working with retailers to assess potential security risks;
  2. Review criminal threats facing the retailer;
  3. Evaluate and document present mitigations and suggest solutions for improvement;
  4. Providing retailers with a report of findings.

Sign-Up Process
Retailers interested in a security assessment can sign up on the Setracon website. Participants will need to sign a waiver in order to register, as well as provide the following information:

  • Name of Store:
  • Full Address:
  • Hours of Operation:
  • Point of contact Name for the visit:
  • Point of contact Email address:
  • Point of contact Telephone number:

About Setracon, Inc.
Tacoma-based Setracon, Inc. is committed to providing subject matter expertise, consulting, training, and information management services to align risk, resilience, and security solutions with organizational strategies and goals. Due to its industry knowledge, detailed reports, a focus on excellence, collaborative attitude, and a strong reputation for customer service, Setracon enjoys long-term loyalty from many of its clients.



Filed Under: Business, Homepage Tagged With: cannabis security, cannabis security company, Inc, LCB, safety, security, Setracon, WA, Washington, WSLCB

WSLCB Creates New Education Program to Support Licensees and Other Stakeholders

March 16, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) announces the implementation of a new Education Program led by the agency’s Enforcement and Education Division.

Over the past year and a half, the LCB’s Enforcement and Education Division has been working to create an Education Program consisting of a team dedicated to promoting educational opportunities with licensees and industry members as well as other external stakeholder groups.

The program includes Compliance Consultants, an Education Specialist and an Advertising Coordinator who build relationships and provide education directly with stakeholders across the state, in collaboration with Enforcement Officers.

The team is tasked with helping licensees identify issues, providing educational resources and a contact point for stakeholders to reach out to for support.

To support LCB field staff and the industry further, dedicated resources located in the agency’s headquarters in Olympia are assigned to provide assistance on topics including advertising and the development of educational content based on industry and LCB needs.

The Education Program is dedicated to working with licensees to identify educational needs and to providing a variety of ways for stakeholders to access relevant educational resources. This includes digital content, in-person consultations, and a growing cache of educational content on topics of interest. To provide the best possible resources, the program strives for consistency, access, engagement and awareness of educational resources for licensees and partners.

Licensees are encouraged to reach out to the Education Program staff directly for compliance-related issues using the contact information found on the new program’s webpage.





Filed Under: Business Tagged With: cannabis education, cannabis news, compliance classes, LCB, marijuana business news, mjnews, mjnewsnetwork.com, WA, Washington cannabis, WSLCB

WSLCB Social Equity in Cannabis Application Reminders

March 15, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: The Social Equity in Cannabis application window has been open for two weeks now. Applicants can still apply for a retail license until the window closes on March 30, 2023. 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.





Filed Under: Homepage, Legal, Recreational Tagged With: 2023 Social Equity application, cannabis business news, LCB, marijuana business news, mjnews, social equity, WA, Washington, WSLCB

Mary Jones Cannabis Sodas & Edibles Expanding to Michigan and Nevada

March 14, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

Jones Soda’s Cannabis Brand Continues National Rollout Following Strong Performance in California

WASHINGTON: Jones Soda Co., the original craft soda known for its unconventional flavors and user-submitted photo labels, today announced an agreement expanding distribution of its new Mary Jones cannabis-infused beverage brand to both Michigan and Nevada, the fourth and eighth largest cannabis markets in the U.S., respectively. The Mary Jones line debuted last June in California and is slated to launch in Washington State in Q2, continuing a planned national rollout to all recreational use markets.Mary Jones Logo

Mary Jones already ranks as the #1 seller in the cannabis-infused carbonated beverage category in California, where it is carried in more than 275 dispensaries. Retail adoption has been so rapid, fueled by Jones Soda’s reputation for flavor innovation and iconoclastic brand persona, that Mary Jones has become the fastest new cannabis brand launch in the state.

Mary Jones manufacturing and distribution in Michigan and Nevada will be handled by Maxxx Labs, a cannabis contract manufacturing and distribution company specializing in beverage manufacturing. The company operates licensed cannabis manufacturing facilities in both states as well as licensed dispensaries in Michigan, with planned expansion into the Ohio, Florida and Texas markets.

The new agreement brings Mary Jones into two states that are currently expanding their cannabis footprints. Michigan voters legalized adult-use cannabis in 2018, has more than 1,050 cannabis sales locations throughout the state, and is set to open the first Detroit dispensaries this year following the recent award of 33 licenses out of the 160 permitted under the city’s recreational cannabis ordinance. Nevada legalized recreational cannabis use in 2017, now ranks second in the nation in cannabis sales per capita, and is slated to distribute licenses this year for cannabis consumption lounges that are expected to create a marijuana zone in Las Vegas.

Mary Jones will launch in both states this summer with the full portfolio of current products, including Mary Jones 10mg and 100mg THC-infused sodas and THC-infused syrups. Michigan and Nevada will join California and Washington in the launch of Mary Jones edibles in multiple flavors and formats, also this summer. All products will be available in a variety of flavors that taste exactly like the mainline Jones craft sodas that have been top sellers for over 25 years. Limited-edition flavors will be added seasonally.

The brand’s 10mg sodas are packaged in single-serving 12 oz glass bottles sold in 4-pack carriers. The 100mg sodas come in 16 oz resealable, child-resistant, multi-serve cans designed for paced consumption and/or social sharing with friends. The syrups come in 4 fl glass bottles containing 100mg of THC for multiple servings that can be added to any soda, used as a cocktail mixer, sipped straight from the bottle, drizzled over desserts, or used to infuse favorite recipes.

“As the first branded soda company to expand into the cannabis space, we have unique advantages that include 26 years of brand recognition, deep flavor science expertise, and an edgy brand personality that’s a perfect fit for the canna culture,” said Mark Murray, President and CEO of Jones Soda Company. “These attributes have already helped turn Mary Jones into California’s top infused carbonated beverage and the state’s fastest-growing cannabis brand, and we fully expect similar success in Washington, Michigan, Nevada and every other market we enter.”

“This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to combine our expertise in cannabis manufacturing with Jones Soda’s well-known creativity in beverage development,” said Paul Schmitz, CEO of Core Investment Group, the parent company of Maxxx Labs. “We will be bringing canna consumers in Michigan and Nevada new products that I fully expect to fly off the shelves and continue building Mary Jones into a leading brand in the space.”

“This launch is special for us. Our Michigan Jones Soda fans are passionate about the brand and their favorite flavors. They’ve been ready for this launch right alongside us and we know they will love these products,” said Bohb Blair, CMO of Jones Soda & CBO of Mary Jones. “Nevada is unique, with a hometown group of consumers matched by a large tourist population. We want each of them to have a great Mary Jones experience to talk about when they get home.”

The first Michigan and Nevada dispensaries to carry Mary Jones products will be announced on the ‘Where To Buy’ page at www.gomaryjones.com shortly before launch.



Filed Under: Business, Homepage Tagged With: canna, cannabis beverages, cannabis soda, infused beverages, Mary Jones Soda, Michigan, mjnews, MJNews Network, Nevada, seattle, soda, the business of cannabis, the business of hemp, WA

WSLCB Cannabis Canopy Enforcement and Education Update

March 9, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: In November 2021, LCB communicated the Enforcement and Education Division’s protocol related to cannabis canopy enforcement. The protocol was designed to ensure consistent application of cannabis canopy rules described in WAC 314-55-075.

In August 2022, based on stakeholder concern about the protocol, LCB paused canopy enforcement prioritization, and opened rulemaking to explore whether revisions were needed to WAC 314-55-075. To better understand stakeholder perspective and inform potential rule development, the agency hosted two inclusive and interactive engagement opportunities in October and November 2022.

During the sessions, licensees, industry representatives and members of the public gathered to share thinking around potential rule revisions. Themes emerged that included policy options exceeding the scope of rulemaking, such as deconstruction of the tier system and engaging in individual plant counts, to a weight-based system. However, most participants were interested in consistent application of WAC 314-55-075 in practice rather than rule revision.

To support regulatory stability, the LCB Enforcement and Education Division and Director’s Office are working together to draft an interpretive statement designed to support consistent application of WAC 314-55-075 that supports the Enforcement and Education division’s cannabis canopy protocol. The agency anticipates withdrawing rulemaking related to WAC 314-55-075 during the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on March 15. An interpretive statement will be issued and filed with the Reviser’s Office on or about April 7, 2023. Prioritization of canopy rule enforcement will resume at that time.







Filed Under: Business, Homepage, Legal, Recreational Tagged With: cannabis industry news, cannabis regulations 2023, Canopy 2023, LCB, marijuana business, mjnews, the business of cannabis, WA, Washington, WSLCB

WSLCB Files Pre-Proposal Statement of Inquiry for Vendor Cannabis Samples Rulemaking

March 2, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

Notice of Pre-Proposal Statement of Inquiry – WSR #23-06-079

WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has filed a pre-proposal statement of inquiry (CR 101) to consider amending WAC 314-55-096 to update cannabis vendor sample rules. 

The LCB is asking for public input on this rulemaking topic. Following the comment period, the LCB will distribute and publish proposed rules, establish a formal public comment period consistent with chapter 34.05 RCW, and hold a public hearing before the rules are adopted.

This notice is found on the LCB rulemaking webpage.

Public Comment Details

Please send your comments on the vendor cannabis sample rules to the LCB by mail, e-mail, or fax by April 14, 2023. The CR-102 with proposed rule amendments is anticipated to be filed on or after May 24, 2023, following collaborative rule development.

By mail:
Rules Coordinator
Liquor and Cannabis Board
P.O. Box 43080
Olympia, WA  98504-3080

By email:
rules@lcb.wa.gov

By fax:
360-664-9689



Filed Under: Homepage, Legal, Recreational Tagged With: cannabis vendor sample rules., LCB, MJ Legal News, MJ News, mjnews, rule-making, WA, Washington, WSLCB, WSR #23-06-079

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

February 28, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

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.





Filed Under: Homepage, Legal, Recreational Tagged With: 2023 social equity meeting, cannabis business news, LCB, March 1 2023, marijuana business news, MJ Events, mjnews, social equity, WA, Washington, WSLCB

Second Meeting of the WSLCB Cannabis Quality Control Standards Work Group

February 21, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

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.



Filed Under: Business, Events, Homepage Tagged With: cannabis, cannabis business news, Cannabis Quality Control Standards, LCB, marijuana, MJ Events, mjnews, the business of cannabis, WA, Washington, Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, WSLCB

WSLCB Important Message for Potential Social Equity License Applicants: DIA Map Thresholds Adjusted

February 3, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) created the Disproportionately Impacted Area (DIA) maps based on the definitions provided by the legislature in RCW 69.50.335. The DIA maps were released two weeks ago and uploaded to our social equity website. We have since heard from community members who expressed concerns that these maps did not identify enough places that were more likely to have been impacted by the war on drugs.

After thoughtful consideration of the feedback and ensuring we follow the criteria established by the legislature, the LCB has increased the number of census tracts that qualify as a DIA by increasing the threshold of the “high rate,” which is mandated by law, from 20% to 30% for the following indicators:

  • The area has a high poverty rate;
  • The area has a high rate of participation in income-based federal programs;
  • The area has a high rate of unemployment; and
  • The area has a high rate of convictions.

Please know the LCB does not have the authority to change the above indicators to determine DIAs. The LCB appreciates the community feedback and is dedicated to implementing a program that provides licensing opportunities for those harmed by the war on drugs

DIA (Disproportionately Impacted Area) Maps




Filed Under: Homepage, Legal, Recreational Tagged With: DIA, LCB, marijuana business news, mjnews, social equity, the business of cannabis, WA, Washington, WSLCB

WSLCB Cannabinoid Science Work Group Meeting: Feb. 1.

January 23, 2023 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

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:

  • Dial: 999.2000
  • 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.

Filed Under: Business, Events, Homepage Tagged With: Cannabinoid Science Group, CSWG, LCB, marijuana business, MJ Events, mjnews, the business of cannabis, WA, WSLCB

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