UPDATE: OLYMPIA, WA - The Washington State Liquor Control Board has approved the rules for implementing the state's new marijuana laws.
The board voted Wednesday to file the new rules after 10 months of research and public input. Thirty days after the vote, the rules will become effective.
"Over these last several months have put together a comprehensive system of rules which will serve as the foundation for this new industry," said Board Chair Sharon Foster. "This has been a very open process of rule-making with public involvement each step of the way. We appreciate all the support and involvement we've had from Gov. Inslee, local officials, law enforcement, industry members and Washington citizens along the way."
The rules achieve the Board's stated goal of implementing a tightly regulated and controlled recreational marijuana market. They also align with the Department of Justice's stated areas of concern by addressing out-of-state diversion of product, traceability of product from start to sale, youth access and other public and consumer safety concerns.
Later this month, in order to align with federal guidelines, the board plans to file emergency rulemaking to modify the way the 1,000 foot distance between marijuana locations and the listed exclusion zones is measured. The method of measuring will change from "most common path of travel" to "shortest straight line" from property line to property line.
The agency will open a 30 day licensing window for all three license types (marijuana producer, processor and retailer) on November 18th. The WSLCB's Marijuana Licensing Unit is holding a series of seven educational seminars across the state to help potential applicants navigate the licensing process.
For more information regarding the implementation of I-502 including summaries of the law and rules, answers to frequently asked questions, or to sign up for an educational seminar please visit the WSLCB website.
www.nbcnews.com/id/53295492/ns/local_news-yakima_wa/#.Ul7t2PkqjBo
The board voted Wednesday to file the new rules after 10 months of research and public input. Thirty days after the vote, the rules will become effective.
"Over these last several months have put together a comprehensive system of rules which will serve as the foundation for this new industry," said Board Chair Sharon Foster. "This has been a very open process of rule-making with public involvement each step of the way. We appreciate all the support and involvement we've had from Gov. Inslee, local officials, law enforcement, industry members and Washington citizens along the way."
The rules achieve the Board's stated goal of implementing a tightly regulated and controlled recreational marijuana market. They also align with the Department of Justice's stated areas of concern by addressing out-of-state diversion of product, traceability of product from start to sale, youth access and other public and consumer safety concerns.
Later this month, in order to align with federal guidelines, the board plans to file emergency rulemaking to modify the way the 1,000 foot distance between marijuana locations and the listed exclusion zones is measured. The method of measuring will change from "most common path of travel" to "shortest straight line" from property line to property line.
The agency will open a 30 day licensing window for all three license types (marijuana producer, processor and retailer) on November 18th. The WSLCB's Marijuana Licensing Unit is holding a series of seven educational seminars across the state to help potential applicants navigate the licensing process.
For more information regarding the implementation of I-502 including summaries of the law and rules, answers to frequently asked questions, or to sign up for an educational seminar please visit the WSLCB website.
www.nbcnews.com/id/53295492/ns/local_news-yakima_wa/#.Ul7t2PkqjBo
