Washington Issues Emergency Cannabis License Suspension

Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) announced this week an emergency license suspension for Emerald Flash, an Okanagan-based cannabis cultivator. The suspension, which took effect on Monday, was ordered in the name of public safety following multiple alleged violations of the Washington State Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

According to the press release, Emerald Flash is accused of diverting cannabis products from the regulated market:

“On or about Sept. 19, 2021, the licensee was responsible for selling or providing to an unlicensed entity approximately 350 pounds of marijuana flower, worth between $700,000 and $1,000,000.” — LCB press release excerpt

Regulators also allege that the company was responsible for deceiving officials during their investigation with conflicting and inconsistent information, “failing to utilize or maintain current information in the traceability system,” and for not maintaining a state-mandated surveillance system including at least 45 days of video footage. required surveillance system. LCB also charged Emerald Flash with aggravated violations for failing to maintain required recordkeeping and for allowing visitors on-site without officially noting their presence.

The emergency license suspension lasts 180 days and LCB said that regulators will pursue the permanent revocation of the license during that timeframe.

Last month, Washington regulators adjusted state policy so that felony criminal records are no longer an automatic disqualification for cannabis licensing. In June, LCB approved a “Joints for Jabs” program wherein licensed cannabis dispensaries could offer a single pre-roll as an incentive for getting the coronavirus vaccine.