Virtual Listen and Learn Forum Session on Draft Conceptual Rules: Background Checks for Cannabis Licensees and Applicants

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is hosting a Listen and Learn forum about draft conceptual rules for cannabis applicants or licensee background checks.

The Liquor and Cannabis Board began considering revisions to current background check processes for applicants or licensee by initiating a formal rule inquiry on February 17, 2021. The Preproposal Statement of Inquiry is found here.

Initiative 502 (I-502) established a legal framework for the Board to review the criminal history of marijuana [cannabis] license applicants, along with broad rulemaking authority to create rules related to criminal history background check standards. The initial background check rules were first established in late 2013, and the most recent revision occurred in early 2016.

The WSLCB will be re-evaluating current criminal history background check standards in an effort to remove unnecessary barriers to entry in the legal marijuana [cannabis] market by people and communities disproportionally impacted by marijuana [cannabis] criminalization. Revisions considered will be designed to support socially equitable conditions by deconstructing current rules to create fair and meaningful access to the economic opportunities afforded by marijuana [cannabis].

Here is a link to the agenda to help you prepare, along with draft changes (redline) and original language (non-redline) versions of the draft conceptual rules. Please come prepared to offer related feedback and suggestions.

Please remember that we are still in the developmental phase of rulemaking, and there are not yet any proposed or final rules amendments. To help you prepare for this listen/learn/contribute forum, please review the guidance document prepared for this and future forums.

When: Thursday, May 13, 2021, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Where: Online via this link WebEx. Pre-registration is not required.

By phone only:  Toll Free: 1-855-929-3239, or Direct: (415) 655-0001

                            Access Code: 133 151 4096#

If you wish to join online here are a few reminders: 

• Online participation will be structured to allow one speaker at a time through a hand-raising feature on WebEx.
• If you have difficulty with audio or visual elements of the WebEx meeting, please be patient, you can provide feedback to us at the email below. There is still opportunity to let us know your thoughts.

Questions? Contact Kathy Hoffman at katherine.hoffman@lcb.wa.gov