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.

What's New (November 1, 2024) 

As we look ahead to the upcoming Legislative Session, our membership is preparing to publish WACA's 2025 Legislative & Regulatory Agenda and host our annual symposium in Seattle. 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. 

A study, published in the journal Pediatric Reports, revealed that " one of the most striking results [is] the percentage of adolescents reporting current marijuana use. In 2011, 23.1% of adolescents indicated they were current users, but by 2021, this figure had dropped to 15.8%. Additionally, the percentage of adolescents trying marijuana for the first time before age 13 also saw a notable decline, from 8.1% in 2011 to 4.9% in 2021." 

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.

Upcoming events

    • January 21, 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
    • Olympia, WA
    Register

    Members,

    WACA’s 2025 Lobby Day will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 8:00am to 7:30pm. This year, in addition to a day of meetings followed by a reception with elected leaders, we will host a Legislative Trade Show that will feature our attendees and their businesses. This opportunity is only extended to those who register and participate at Lobby Day.

    What is a Legislative Trade Show?

    We will use the space we have reserved inside the State Capitol for attendees to set up tables and share information about the sector and your business in particular. No THC-containing products will be permitted. While details are still in development, We are working to create an experience that exposes lawmakers to all segments of your industry- from retail, lab and production/processing. Lawmakers and staff will be invited to visit our space (the Columbia Room) during the day to see and experience you and your brands. This is the first time we will use the Columbia Room for this purpose and is a new, unique opportunity to couple your 1-on-1 meetings during the day with offering a firsthand experience of your business.

    Ready to register and sign-up as an exhibitor? You can register HERE.

    Whether you want to be an exhibitor or not, your voice is needed to educate, inform and clear up any fallacies about the regulated cannabis industry. We have a very ambitious legislative agenda in 2025. We need your help to tell the story about why new policies and regulatory reform are needed to help keep Washington’s marketplace viable.

    Date: Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

    Time: 8:00am - 7:30pm

    Location:

    • Meetings, Lunch:  Columbia Room, WA State Capital Campus

    • Reception: Jean Pierre's Three16, 316 Schmidt Pl SW, Tumwater, WA 98501

    • Cost: $125, to cover administrative costs, lunch, and reception

    These events are not possible without the generous support of sponsors - please consider sponsoring a portion of this important event!

    Please let us know if you need hotel recommendations in the area, and we look forward to seeing you in Olympia. Register today!

    Registration closes on December 15th!

    • January 21, 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
    • Olympia, WA
    Register


    Breakfast Sponsor - $250

    • Highlight your brand with signage on the breakfast table in the morning.


      Lunch Sponsor - $250

      • Highlight your brand with signage on the lunch buffet in the afternoon.


      Silver Sponsor - $500

      • Highlight your brand with your logo on the WACA event website and all printed materials.


      Gold Sponsor - $750

      • Highlight your brand with your logo on the WACA event website and all printed materials.
      • Receive 1 free event registration.


      Platinum Sponsor - $1,000

      • Highlight your brand with your logo on the WACA event website and all printed materials.
      • Receive 1 free event registration.


    Washington CannaBusiness Association

    info@wacannabusiness.org

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