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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LCB Issues Emergency Suspension After Investigation Reveals Cannabis Diversion at Feel Budder in Tacoma
OLYMPIA WA 12/19/2024: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) issued an Emergency License Suspension on Dec. 18, 2024, for a tier 2 cannabis producer/processor licensee The Kukuia Company LLC (doing business as Feel Budder) in Tacoma.
The suspension follows an investigation, in which large-scale cannabis diversion and other violations of state laws were found.
The LCB, in collaboration with the Tacoma Police Department, carried out a search warrant of the licensed premises and transport vehicles seizing over 7,000 cannabis plants which were not properly recorded in the state’s mandatory cannabis tracking system, a violation of state laws RCW 69.50.401, and WAC 314-55-083(4).
Background on the LCB’s investigation
LCB officers conducted an investigation in response to a complaint alleging violations of state cannabis laws. The investigation substantiated that illegal activity was occurring, leading to the granting and execution of a search warrant and seizure of cannabis plants and other items. The Tacoma Police Department issued a news release related to the criminal aspects of the investigation and the subsequent seizures and arrest of the licensee.
Emergency Suspension
Based on the seriousness of the violations the Board found the continued operation of the licensed business to be a direct and immediate threat to public health and safety. The Board therefore approved an emergency suspension of the license.
The license will remain suspended for a period of 180 days during which the LCB will seek permanent revocation.
The LCB is mandated to ensure that licensees in Washington state follow state laws and regulations. When licensees fail to comply with state law, the Board, under state authority can take action including the issuance of suspensions to ensure public health and safety.
Emergency suspensions represent an extraordinary exercise of the state’s power. The LCB is mandated to ensure that an emergency suspension is reasonable, justifiable and legal. This is only the second emergency suspension of a cannabis licensee thus far in 2024.
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