Washington Bill Would Create Agricultural Agency for Cannabis

A bill introduced in Washington state aims to create a cannabis commission that would function like the other agricultural commissions already operating in the state, FOX 13 reports. Lawmakers supporting the legislation say the commission would help growers and producers compete nationally if or when the federal government loosens restrictions and opens up the entire U.S. market. 

Republican Rep. Kelly Chambers told FOX 13 that the Washington State Cannabis Commission would “be self-funded by the industry, kind of a mandatory fee.” 

The commission’s purposes would include research, advertising government agencies, reviewing market metrics, educating and advising producers, advancing knowledge and practice, limiting youth access, and grant powers for acquiring, creating and owning intellectual property rights, licenses and patents, the report says. 

“Creating and developing intellectual property rights. So, we have other commissions we have a wine commission and a potato commission that promote Washington wine or Washington potatoes. So, sort of do the same thing.” — Chambers to FOX 13 

Chambers added that were federal laws loosened there would be “a lot of competition,” adding that cannabis producers in Washington – among the nation’s first legal producers – have a lot of pride in what they have created.    

The measure is currently in the House Regulated Substances and Gaming Commission.