Invitation: Discussion on Evaluating THC Compounds - What is and is not "Impairing"?

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June 7, 2022

Invitation to Continued Discussion on Evaluating THC compounds: What is and is not “impairing”?

June 21 session continues focus on Delta 8 and other unregulated cannabinoids

The public and the cannabis industry are invited to a June 21, 2022 discussion to help shape future policy and rules related to how LCB and state law will define what are “impairing” and “non-impairing” THC compounds and cannabinoids.

Background: Since early 2021, new unregulated cannabinoid products that may be “impairing” (other than delta-9 THC) began being sold online and in stores across the nation. This raised questions nationwide about the legality and possible health impacts of these new products, being sold without age-restriction or regulation. A year ago, the LCB Board issued Policy Statement Number PS-21-01 about THC compounds. In January 2022, the Board adopted a new rule section, WAC 314-55-560 that allows the Board to evaluate additives, solvents, ingredients or compounds used in the production of cannabis products.

During the 2022 legislative session, bills introduced to address concerns about the regulation of these emerging products did not advance to passage. The LCB continues to gather information to inform future policy and rule development within the agency’s current statutory authority.

Public participation on this topic continues with a fifth session on Cannabis Plant Chemistry.

How were panelists selected?

For the fifth panel discussion on this topic, LCB asked a diverse group of professionals with experience in cannabis regulation and oversight. Although we are still in the process of confirming our panel, the following panelist has confirmed attendance:

  • Beatriz Carlini, PhD, MPH (Bia), Research Scientist at the University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI) and Affiliate Associate Professor at the School of Public Health, Department of Health Systems & Population Health. 

 

Additional panelists may be added. LCB’s Policy and Rules manager Kathy Hoffman will moderate the agency’s fifth deliberative dialogue on these topics on June 21, 2022.

Meeting outline and agenda

  • The session will begin with information on the topic, introductions, and discussion goals and expectations. The agenda is linked here.
  • Panelists will share their knowledge and experience with the subject matter.
  • Interactive Question and Answer session (using the hand-raising feature in Teams) to allow participants and listeners to ask the panelists questions.
  • Description of next steps and how to stay involved with rulemaking on the topic.

 

How to Join

WHEN:            Tuesday, June 21, 2022 – 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:          Join on your computer or smart phone using Microsoft (MS) Teams.

                         Click here to join the meeting

 

If you have the MS Teams app on your device, select “Open Microsoft Teams” when prompted.

If you do not have the MS Teams app, click on “Continue on this browser” when prompted.

Please note: you do not need to pre-register. Please add the meeting to your calendar. The event may end earlier than scheduled depending on the amount of feedback from attendees.

To listen to the meeting on the phone (audio only):  

Dial: +564-999-2000

Phone Conference ID: 997 767 537#

Please note the phone option is intended only for listening to the forum. In order to participate in the forum, please join online or smart phone via MS Teams.

If you wish to join virtually, here are a few reminders: 

  • Online participation will be structured to allow one speaker at a time through a hand-raising feature on MS Teams.
  • If you have difficulty with audio or visual elements of MS Teams, please be patient.
  • You can also provide feedback to us at the email below if you prefer.

Questions? Contact the rules team at rules@lcb.wa.gov.

You can send your questions in advance (by June 20, 2022) to rules@lcb.wa.gov. Only questions sent in advance, and questions by participants who join via computer will be accepted.

If you can’t attend, the session will be recorded and added to our website in the Rulemaking section. If you have questions about participation, contact us at rules@lcb.wa.gov.