As the i502 industry grows, it adapts and adjusts frequently. Our local legislature is continually hearing and potentially enacting various House and Senate bills. As cannabis consumers, it’s important for us to follow Washington cannabis policy updates to know what changes will be enacted and how the industry will adapt and affect our everyday lives.
Some of the many House and Senate bills that will be heard in 2020 are as follows: H.B. 2361, H.B. 2350, S.B. 6033, S.B. 6057, H.B. 2300, H.B. 2546, S.B. 6332, and S.B. 6269 (companion bill to H.B. 2300).
In this post, we will outline H.B. 2300 (which concerns CBD products), its implications, and action steps you can take.
Cannabis Policy Update: House Bill 2300
Bill Overview
Sponsored by Representatives MacEwen, Fitzgibbon, and Young, H.B. 2300 would allow dispensaries to carry hemp-derived CBD products. This bill’s first public hearing occurred just last week on January 20th, 2020.
Because these would be hemp-derived CBD products, the THC content cannot exceed 0.3% at its dry weight.
These products would be required to undergo lab-accredited testing for potency, heavy metals, and pesticides. Plus, the LCB would set testing standard rules which would ensure a high quality across the board.
This Washington cannabis policy update can bring a lot of positives to the industry, including a streamlined testing process that could possibly be expanded later to all i502 producer/processors.
Foreseen Implications from H.B. 2300
There are many pros, and some cons, that would come from H.B. 2300. Firstly, those seeking more wellness-related products will have increased access to reliable CBD products. This is great news for any medical cannabis patients, as their access has diminished under i502.
Secondly, if structured as such, retailers may be able to generate some profits that aren’t subject to the heavy cannabis tax. Because these would be hemp products (and, by legal definition, not cannabis products), it makes sense legally to structure it this way.
Thirdly, this bill would allow retailers to purchase CBD products made out-of-state, thus expanding consumers’ access and choices even more.
On the down side, this will most likely hurt vape shops and other stores (grocery, gas stations, convenience stores, etc.) in terms of their CBD sales. However, this isn’t all bad since the market currently offers plenty of really cheap (most likely non-tested) and really expensive options. This cannabis policy update may help in finding a reasonable price point for CBD products across the board.
What Can You Do as a Cannabis Consumer?
As cannabis consumers, our awareness of Washington cannabis policy updates can help develop systems within the industry and get us the products and compliance we want.
Not only can we attend public hearings, but we can also submit comments and suggestions. If you’d like to state your opinion to the appropriate person(s), you can go ahead and reach out to your district representative and/or senator here.
For more detailed instructions on how to get involved in the process, check out the cannabis policy Education Hour recap. And don’t forget, you can sign up to be email-notified by the LCB about Washington cannabis policy updates.
Stay tuned for more information on i502 policy updates from Mary Mart!
Comment