More Than 50 Meetings, One Powerful Day at the Capitol

Lobby Day is always one of the most energizing days of our year, but this year felt especially meaningful.

Together, The Cannabis Alliance community held more than 50 legislative meetings in a single day, with strong participation from members, partners, and advocates from across the state. From early morning briefings to hallway conversations and last-minute schedule shifts, our teams showed up prepared, committed, and ready to represent the future of Washington’s cannabis industry.

Despite a few inevitable logistical challenges that come with coordinating dozens of meetings across a busy legislative campus, the camaraderie of this group and the shared spirit of the plant truly carried the day. There was a sense of collective purpose in every meeting room and every walk between buildings. People stepped in to support one another, helped first-timers navigate the Capitol, and stayed focused on what mattered most: showing lawmakers who we are and what our community stands for.

These were not surface-level conversations. We were able to talk honestly about barriers that still exist for patients, the economic and regulatory opportunities created by cannabis hospitality, and why homegrow is both a fairness issue and a common-sense reform for Washington.

And we are already seeing the impact of that work.

Cannabis hospitality passed out of committee today. We also have a hearing on sustainability scheduled for Monday, and we are hopeful that both sustainability and homegrow will be voted out of committee on Tuesday as well. That kind of momentum does not happen by accident. It is the direct result of coordinated advocacy, clear messaging, and a community willing to show up together.

One of the most energizing parts of the day, for me personally, was watching so many first-time advocates step into the legislative process. Walking into a lawmaker’s office can feel intimidating. Learning how to tell your story, connect it to policy, and do it all within a tight meeting window is a skill. Our first-timers rose to the occasion. Their voices brought authenticity and urgency into rooms that too often hear only from professional advocates. There is something powerful about seeing people realize, in real time, that they belong in these conversations and that they can influence them.

Making a meaningful impact on the legislative campus takes preparation, trust, and relationships. But it also takes heart. This Lobby Day reminded us that when we come together, across business types, regions, and experience levels, we are stronger, more credible, and more effective.

Get involved.
If you want to help shape the future of cannabis policy in Washington, we invite you to plug in through our committees, reach out to our team through our website, and join our email list for regular updates. Our email list provides timely policy updates, and our full legislative packet is available on our website so you can stay informed and engaged throughout the session.

Thank you to everyone who participated, especially those who joined us for the very first time. Your presence mattered. Your stories mattered. And the progress we are already seeing is proof that this work, and this community, truly makes a difference.