OLYMPIA — A bill to better regulate THC products and limit youth access was signed into law after passing both chambers with strong bipartisan support.
Senate Bill 5367, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), adds products containing a detectable amount of THC to the regulated cannabis market and amends the definition of “cannabis products” in state law to include cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-10, both of which can be found in infused gummy candies currently being sold at convenience stores in Washington. Products sold outside the regulated market aren’t subject to the state’s 37% cannabis excise tax.
It also requires any cannabis product sold at a retail store to include the amount of any synthetically derived CBD on its label and prohibits any person from manufacturing, selling or distributing cannabis products without a valid state-issued license.
“This is about prevention. Unregulated cannabis products pose a serious health risk to neighbors of all ages, especially youth — our own community has seen that firsthand,” Robinson said. “By removing these high-potency THC products from the open market, we can better protect consumers from possible overdoses, limit access to young people and increase state revenue that can help fund substance use disorder programs in our communities.”
The new law will go into effect July 23, 2023.
