Hello, we're the Washington Cannabusiness Association (WACA).
WACA represents licensees and support businesses in the regulated cannabis sector in Washington State. As one of the first states to legalize and regulate cannabis, Washington has had ten years to develop and improve public policy for an industry that is still evolving nationwide. For ten years, WACA has been there every step of the way.
Learn more about what we do.
As we kick-off the second week of the 2025 Legislative Session, we are proud to advocate on behalf of a legal, quality-controlled and well-regulated taxed cannabis marketplace that keeps products out of the hands of children. Following our annual democratic process among membership, we have published our 2025 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda. You may find it in full in our legislative archive, which also overviews our advocacy since 2015. In sum, our priorities include:
- Pathways to Investment in Local Businesses (access to capital)
- Freeze Dormant Producer Licenses
- Consistent Compliance, Local Control (regulatory oversight of signage)
- Allow Employee Stock Ownership Plans in Cannabis Businesses (ESOP)
- Continued Modernization of the Liquor and Cannabis Board
- Reduce Duplicative Regulation of Cannabis Laboratories
- Cannabis Retail Safety
- Update Transportation Licensee Regulations
- Regulatory System Updates to Reflect Best Practices (waste disposal, sign-in records, COAs, product on hand and returned product)
Several bills have already been introduced by lawmakers that would advance these priorities: SB 5206 (regulatory oversight of signage), HB 1346 (access to capital), HB 1348 (ESOP), HB 1347 (duplicative regulation of cannabis laboratories) and HB 1410 (dormant producer licenses).
Cannabis policymaking continues to feature critical conversations, including the importance of keeping cannabis products out of the hands of kids. In Washington, licensed retailers have a 95% compliance rate, which means they are significantly more successful in blocking youth access than liquor and tobacco retailers. Ongoing academic research also reflects evidence that youth access is flat or declining in legal markets. We wish everyone a restful holiday season and look forward to the new year!
The emerging, regulated cannabis and hemp industries are still misunderstood by some. WACA works tirelessly to ensure its members acknowledge and embrace their responsibility to follow the law, earn public trust, and collaborate to strengthen the system that protects consumers and communities alike. As we reflect on the first 10 years of legalization and prepare for the next 10 years, we are proud to advocate on behalf of a regulated marketplace that directly employs 11,330 workers, supports 18,360 jobs in our state and in 2020 generated $660.8 million in state and local tax revenues for public services.
Interested in learning more about the economic impact of the legal cannabis marketplace in Washington? Please reach out to us to receive a copy of our Economic Impact Analysis commissioned by WACA in 2021 and conducted by Dr. Spencer Cohen of High Peak Strategy.
Blog posts
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January 06, 2025 5:55 PM
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May 16, 2024 10:24 AM
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May 16, 2024 10:23 AM