The Washington State Liquor Control Board today approved the
filing of proposed supplemental rules that, if ultimately enacted, will help
govern Washington State’s system of producing, processing and retailing
recreational marijuana. The Board first proposed rules on
July 3, 2013, then chose to revise and re-file them after receiving
public input at five public hearings across Washington. A key component of implementation is that the recreational
market would be tightly regulated to prevent diversion of marijuana to minors, and reduce any impact of adolecent use.
“These rules fulfill the public expectation of creating a tightly-regulated and controlled system while providing reasonable access to participation in the market, said WSLCB Board Chair Sharon Foster. “Importantly, we believe these rules meet the eight federal government enforcement priorities within Thursday’s guidance memo from the Department of Justice.”
Key Public Safety Elements
Public safety is the top priority of the Washington State Liquor Control Board.- All grows must meet strictly controlled on-site security requirements;
- Strict surveillance and transportation requirements;
- Robust traceability software system that will track inventory from start to sale;
- Criminal background checks on all license applicants;
- Tough penalty guidelines for public safety violations including loss of license;
- Restricting certain advertising that may be targeted at children.
Key Consumer Safety Elements
The proposed rules provide a heightened level of consumer safety that has not existed previously.
- Packaging and label requirements including dosage and warnings;
- Only lab tested and approved products will be available;
- Defined serving sizes and package limits on marijuana in solid form;
- Store signage requirements to educate customers.
