Rules team reports 10 open rule projects; timelines set for alcohol and cannabis rule filings

Kevin Walder, policy and rules manager for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, told the board on Feb. 4 that the rules team is managing 10 open rule projects and provided timing for several items affecting alcohol and cannabis industries.

Walder said public comments on the retail alcohol product-placement draft were due Jan. 16 and that an economic analysis is expected to begin by March 1 and take about three months, which would keep the project on track to file a CR102 this summer; the board plans to delay the rule’s effective date until 2027 to give businesses more time to adjust. He also reported progress on a contract-kitchens rule tied to legislation and plans for additional filings (CR102/CR103) pending board approvals.

On cannabis, Walder said public comments on advertising rules for the bill referenced in the transcript were received and that a CR102 is expected to be ready for next month’s board meeting, positioning final adoption for April if timelines hold. He described ongoing work on draft rules for cannabis retail management agreements (to implement the bill referenced as a substitute Senate measure) and said stakeholder drafts will be posted soon with sessions to follow.

Walder also noted the team received a petition from John Kingsbury regarding retail verification of patient eligibility for the medical-cannabis excise tax exemption and that the team will evaluate that petition and present it to the board next month. He said staff are evaluating incoming legislation for rulemaking impacts and prioritization.

A board member asked how far back the oldest of the 10 open projects dates; Walder said the cannabis advertising rulemaking was initiated in 2022 and was delayed until the recent bill prompted resumption.

The board did not record formal votes on rulemaking items in this meeting; Walder closed by saying stakeholder drafts and sessions will be announced soon.