Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 314-55-XXX, the Washington state liquor and cannabis board (board) is considering creating a new section of rule that will establish a voluntary compliance program for marijuana licensees consistent with the mandates of ESSB 5318 (chapter 394, Laws of 2019).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: ESSB 5318 (chapter 394, Laws of 2019), entitled Marijuana licensees—Compliance and enforcement.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESSB 5318 emphasizes a strong focus on compliance, education, and enforcement in the oversight of the regulated marijuana market. The bill mandates that the board adopt rules to perfect and expand existing programs for compliance education for licensed marijuana businesses and their employees. Rules are needed to establish a voluntary compliance program created in consultation with licensed marijuana businesses and their employees. The program will include recommendations on abating violations described in chapter 69.50 RCW and rules adopted consistent with chapter 69.50 RCW.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The board will coordinate with the Washington state department of health, and other public agencies where appropriate.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Katherine Hoffman, P.O. Box 43080, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-664-1622, fax 360-664-9689, email Rules@lcb.wa.gov, web site lcb.wa.gov.