The bill seeks to expand the prescriptive authority of pharmacists in Washington State by allowing them to prescribe and order drugs and devices as authorized by the commission, without needing prior written guidelines or protocols from a practitioner. A new requirement mandates that by July 1, 2026, the commission must adopt rules specifying which drugs and devices pharmacists can prescribe and the circumstances for doing so. This change aims to enhance pharmacists' roles in patient care and improve access to medications. Additionally, the bill modifies existing definitions and provisions related to the sale and delivery of legend drugs, streamlining the process for pharmacists by removing previous requirements for drug therapy guidelines established by practitioners.

In a separate section, the bill amends laws related to cannabis products by providing clearer definitions and categories, including an expanded definition of "cannabis products" to encompass any product containing only THC, while excluding cannabis health and beauty aids and FDA-approved products. It introduces definitions for "cannabis researcher," "cannabis retailer," and "cannabis-infused products," along with their licensing requirements and THC concentration limits. Furthermore, the bill establishes a "social equity plan" that cannabis licensees must develop to promote social equity within their communities, addressing workforce composition and partnerships with organizations linked to populations historically affected by cannabis prohibition. Certain sections of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, indicating a phased implementation of these changes.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.64.011, 69.41.030