Public hearing held on bill to create cannabis consumption-event licenses; supporters cite safety and tourism, opponents raise impaired-driving concerns

House Bill 1932, introduced Feb. 21 to the Consumer Protection & Business Committee, would create a cannabis consumption event organizer license to legalize and regulate on-site adult consumption at permitted events. The Liquor and Cannabis Board would oversee event permits and workers would be required to hold new budtender permits and training, staff said.

"Cannabis use has been legal in Washington for over a decade, yet we still lack safe regulated spaces for adults to consume it outside their homes," Representative Melanie Morgan said in opening testimony as prime sponsor. She said the bill would limit access to adults 21 and older, require state-approved training and contain measures to deter impaired driving. "I urge your support for House Bill 19 32," Morgan said.

Staff briefing and bill mechanics

Peter Klotfelter, staff to the committee, described the license as a new cannabis license type that would authorize an organizer to hold up to one covered event per month, with each event allowed up to three consecutive…