Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Gaming Committee

HB 1487

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Authorizing marijuana retailers to sell marijuana merchandise.

Sponsors: Representatives Condotta and Sawyer.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes licensed marijuana retailers to sell wearable apparel that is connected to the retail outlet or a marijuana product line sold by the retail outlet.

  • Requires the Liquor and Cannabis Board to establish marketing standards to ensure that marijuana merchandise and other products sold by licensed marijuana retailers are not intended to appeal to minors or otherwise encourage marijuana use by minors.

Hearing Date: 1/30/17

Staff: Peter Clodfelter (786-7127).

Background:

Licensed marijuana retailers, regulated by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), are limited in what products or services they may sell. Marijuana retailers are authorized to sell only useable marijuana, marijuana-infused products, marijuana concentrates, (collectively "marijuana products") and paraphernalia intended for the storage of marijuana products, to adults age 21 and over. Marijuana retailers with a medical marijuana endorsement may also sell marijuana products to qualifying patients age 18 and over who hold a recognition card and are entered into the Medical Marijuana Authorization Database.

Summary of Bill:

Licensed marijuana retailers are authorized to sell marijuana merchandise at retail. The term "marijuana merchandise" is defined as wearable apparel that serves to promote or advertise the retail outlet or a product line sold by the retail outlet and that has labeling affixed to the wearable apparel that includes the retail outlet's name, logo, or other symbol associated with the retail outlet, or a name, logo, or other symbol associated with a product line sold by the retail outlet.

The LCB must establish retail product design and marketing standards to ensure that marijuana merchandise and other products sold by licensed marijuana retailers are not intended to appeal to minors or otherwise encourage marijuana use by minors.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.