The bill aims to improve the regulatory framework of Washington's cannabis system by establishing clear enforcement priorities focused on preventing youth access to cannabis and combating illegal diversion of cannabis products. It seeks to alleviate the burdens faced by the legal cannabis industry, which struggles against the illicit market due to high taxes and inconsistent enforcement. Key provisions include a hierarchy of enforcement priorities, allowing for lenient actions for minor violations, and a requirement for the Liquor and Cannabis Board to review existing rules by October 2025 to streamline regulations while addressing public safety and youth access concerns.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for compliance education programs for licensed cannabis businesses and mandates regular audits of the cannabis central reporting system to identify illegal activities. It specifies that applicants must undergo fingerprinting for criminal history checks and outlines procedures for handling non-compliant cannabis products. The legislation emphasizes coordination with the Department of Health regarding retail outlets with medical cannabis endorsements and includes provisions for the board to inspect records of cannabis licensees to ensure compliance and enhance the overall regulatory environment for the cannabis industry in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 69.50.562, 69.50.345, 69.50.342, 34.05.328