Lawmakers in Olympia may soon force the state’s weed regulator to loosen penalties on pot farmers and retailers, metaphorically forcing the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to take a huge bong hit and chill out. After years of Washington’s weed industry complaining that they face a punitive enforcement climate, the state Legislature is now close to passing a proposed law that would dramatically reform the state’s pot regulatory enforcement rules. Full Story
Banks urge Congress to fully Open the Marijuana Market to Banking
Bank officials and others urged Congress on Wednesday to fully open the doors of the U.S. banking system to the legal marijuana industry, a change that supporters say would reduce crime risks and resolve a litany of challenges for cannabis companies, from paying taxes to getting a loan. Full Story
Congress is Attempting to Legalize Hemp in the US
Despite majority public support in favor of marijuana legalization, and super-majority support in favor of medical cannabis access, members of Congress have nonetheless been reticent to move forward with any significant changes to federal pot policy. That is, until now.
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Washington’s Appeals Court agreed with the State Attorney General’s opinion on local marijuana bans
A three-judge state court of appeals panel today ruled that local jurisdictions have the authority to ban marijuana sales, agreeing with Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s arguments and a 2014 Attorney General Opinion.
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US Department of Justice Announcement
Following US Attorney Jeff Sessions rescission of the Cole Memorandum, the WSLCB and the Governor have stated that they will continue to uphold the will of the Washington State voters by licensing and regulating the marijuana industry in Washington.
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Trump Administration Taking Step That Could Threaten Marijuana Legalization Movement
The Trump administration freed federal prosecutors on Thursday to more aggressively enforce marijuana laws, effectively threatening to undermine the legalization movement that has spread to six states, most recently California.
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Washington Attorney General and Governor push back against US Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ comments on Washington’s regulated marijuana industry
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson says he’s disappointed with a letter from U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions about the state’s efforts to regulate marijuana.
In a letter dated July 24, Sessions pointed out to Ferguson and Gov. Jay Inslee that a 2013 Justice Department memo interpreted as clearing the way for states to regulate marijuana did not preclude federal prosecution. Sessions also highlighted a 2016 report from a federally-funded drug-enforcement organization that raised questions about how effectively the state is controlling the industry.
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New Marijuana Legislation awaiting Governor Inslee’s Signature
Just before Olympia’s regular session ended last week, a huge “omnibus bill” of pot laws quietly passed the legislature. The bill tackles a ton of legal issues, and it is now sitting on the governor’s desk waiting for a signature. Governor Jay Inslee has 20 days to sign it, though his office declined to comment on his feelings about the bill.
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Cindy Flynn Presents at Seminar on Issues Facing the Marijuana Industry in Washington State
Cindy Flynn spoke at a recent seminar in Seattle entitled Medical and Recreational Marijuana in Washington State. Held at the Motif Seattle Hotel on November 29-30, the purpose of the event was to explore both existing and emerging issues faced by the marijuana industry in Washington State, as well as to examine marijuana business and litigation challenges including trademarks, securities and investment, and contracts. The topic of Cindy’s presentation, which can be downloaded here, was: “Real Estate Concerns in the Cannabis Industry: Harborside Health Center Case Study.”
Seattle is Going Gourmet with Marijuana and Tourism
The marijuana industry is trying to move away from its pizza-and-Doritos roots as folks explore how to safely serve marijuana and food. Chefs are working with marijuana growers to chart the still-very-unscientific world of pairing food and weed. And a proliferation of mass-market cheap pot is driving professional growers to develop distinctive flavors and aromas to distinguish themselves in a crowded market.
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