Important Information Regarding Edible Review
Licensees,
I am writing about the concerns expressed by industry members following a product and label presentation to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) on Oct. 3, 2018. A message was sent soon after clarifying the agency’s process. Since the announcement was made, we’ve had conversations with industry members and industry trade organizations requesting that that Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) halt its product review and allow time for stakeholders to be heard. Specifically, a coalition of CORE, the Cannabis Alliance and Washington Cannabusiness Association together formally wrote the LCB requesting the same.
30 Day Pause on Product Review
In the spirit of transparency and collaboration, the agency will pause its product review for 30 days. During this time, we have asked the above coalition to bring forward alternatives that we will consider. Coalition members have indicated that they will be meeting later this month to discuss their proposal(s). By Nov. 12, 2018, the LCB will communicate to all industry members the outcome of these discussions. If you have a recommendation, you may make them directly to your organization’s representatives or the LCB at labelapproval@lcb.wa.gov.
Candy Deemed Especially Appealing to Children Still Prohibited
Going forward, it is important to understand that the LCB will not allow any product that it deems “especially appealing to children” to enter the marketplace. Preventing access to infused edibles that would be especially appealing to children and youth has always been a high priority of the Board. There has not been any recent rule changes that enacted that priority. The rule has been in place since 2015 in WAC 314-55-077(7), which states:
“A cannabis processor is limited in the types of food or drinks they may infuse with cannabis. Cannabis-infused products that require cooking or baking by the consumer are prohibited. Cannabis-infused products that are especially appealing to children are prohibited. Cannabis-infused edible products such as, but not limited to, gummy candies, lollipops, cotton candy, or brightly colored products, are prohibited.”
Webinar Postponed
Due to the 30-day pause on our edible product review, we will postpone the webinar scheduled for Oct. 16, 2018. We will schedule another webinar in mid-November to cover the process going forward.
Thank you for your input and willingness to be part of this process.