NEWS & UPDATES

TOP NEWS: Marijuana Infused Edible Update

On October 3rd, staff at the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) publicly announced a re-evaluation of the approval process for marijuana infused edible (MIE) products and labels. Immediately following the announcement The Cannabis Alliance, Cannabis Organization of Retail Establishments (CORE), and Washington CannaBusiness Association (WACA) came together to collaborate on coordinated action which involved sending a joint letter to the WSLCB as well as a statement to the press.

As a result of those efforts, the WSLCB announced a 30 day pause in their action, stating that they wanted to give the industry time to bring alternative proposals to the table. On October 25th the three organizations hosted a roundtable discussion with industry stakeholders in order to collaborate on a proposal to the WSLCB.

Work session on Marijuana Infused Edible rulemaking at Lemonhaze on October 25th

On Oct 30th, representatives from The Cannabis Alliance, CORE, and WACA met with the WSLCB to present a proposal that was developed out of the round table discussions. To learn more about the details of the proposal we encourage you to view the reports developed by our partner and Alliance member Cannabis Observer.

Additionally, as part of this effort, the WSLCB moved to revise an interim policy which enabled licensees to phase-in packaging and labeling (PAL) rule requirements. The deadline for compliance with the new PAL rules has now been pushed out six months from January 1st, 2019 to June 1st, 2019.

WSDA Looking at Restructure Fee Schedule and Redesigning Logos

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Organic Program recently filed a CR-102 with a proposal to restructure their existing fee schedule and redesign their organic and transitional logos. We are alerting you to this rulemaking since the fee structure will be the same structure they propose for their new ‘certified cannabis’ service. You can also see the redesign of the existing logos in this proposal, which will share some design aspects as the new ‘certified cannabis’ logo.

You can review the PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHAPTER 16-157 WAC HERE

Again, this notice of rulemaking is in regards to changes to WSDA’s existing organic and transitional services. However, this proposal includes the same fee schedule they will be proposing for ‘certified cannabis’ products and therefore offers you an opportunity to see the fees ahead of the rest of the cannabis proposed rules. The WSDA anticipates that the proposed rules for cannabis certification will be filed on 11/21 or 12/5, followed by a public comment period.

Plan on visiting Canada?

In partnership with the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle we want to help ensure that travelers between Washington State and British Columbia are aware of the laws and risks in carrying cannabis across the Canada-U.S. border. https://travel.gc.ca/docs/publications/cannabis-en.pdf

COMMITTEE CORNER

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ALLIANCE HIGHLIGHTS

The Cannabis Alliance at Lemonhaze Comedy and Cannabis Convention

The Cannabis Alliance had a great time at Lemonhaze on Oct 25 & 26th. We would like to thank all those involved in putting on the event as well as acknowledge the numerous Alliance members who participated in leading seminars, panels, and continuing education classes during the 2-day convention. (Trey Reckling, Academy of Cannabis Science; Amanda Mac, Terp School; Sam Mendez, Cultiva Law; Nick Mosely, Confidence Analytics; Rachael Brower, Board Member of The Alliance)

On the 25th, alongside WACA and CORE, The Cannabis Alliance helped organize and lead a robust work session on the current rule interpretation on edibles by the LCB. Thank you to all those who came and participated. We also held a great seminar on the 26th where we focused on the role of the budtender and ways to maximize their potential through empowerment.

Check out this great recap video made by our good friends at Kush Couch.

Member Shout Out: American Hash Makers

This month, The Cannabis Alliance would like to recognize our long time supporters and friends at American Hash Makers. We love AHM because they represent everything we support. A family owned business with passion for the plant and the community. AHM truly cares about their product and it’s evident in their high-quality, hand-crafted hash. It truly is a labor of love. Check out their instagram and pick up their amazing products in stores today!

New Cannabis Cookbook from Mary J. White

“Canna family! I’ve just published “EveryDayMaryJ, a Practical Guide to Cooking with Cannabis”. This cookbook is the culmination of my years teaching folks about cooking with cannabis and has a ton of great recipes, fun anecdotes, and Hugo the cancer cat’s story. There are recipes for savory dishes, sweets, topicals, tinctures, and more. And I think I can safely say we’ve got some food porn pics that you’ll love. Get your copy – makes a great gift. Huge thanks!” -MJW

Get your copy!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Alliance General Meeting – November

Date: Thursday November 8th

Time: 12pm – 2pm

Main Location: Seattle, WA

Addition Hub Locations: Arlington, Bellingham, Olympia, and Spokane

As always we will be giving updates on regulations as well what’s going on legislatively. We will also be talking about very specific committees and ways you can get involved on the issues that matter to you.

RSVP

Trivia Night – November

Date: Monday, November 12th  Time: 5:30pm    Location:  Brass Tacks, 6031 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA

The Cannabis Alliance is excited to bring you Trivia Night! It’s time to gather your friends/co-workers and test out your canna-knowledge! Whether you think you know all there is to know about cannabis or you’d like to learn more, we invite you to join us for a night of friendly competition and education, of course!

Thank you to the sponsor of this month’s winning prize, Weedmaps!

Teams of 3-5 people. $5 registration per person.

Registration

The Gong Show [Update]

Due to circumstances outside of our control, we have decided to postpone our fundraiser, The Gong Show, to December. We will be using this extra time to bring even more amazing talent and entertainment to the experience. Cannabis Alliance members should have received a discount code for tickets. If you purchased tickets for the original November date, your ticket is still valid for the December show. Date of show will be announced soon (either Dec. 6th or Dec 13th)!

Tickets

***Special Announcement***