The Jan. 22 letter, “Bill creates new pot black market,” takes issue with Senate bill 6207, which exempts from public disclosure some information contained within marijuana licensing records. As chief of enforcement for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, I would like to clarify that the intent of the legislation would protect only a small amount of information from being released publicly.
The bill specifically targets information such as the licensee’s personal financial and retirement statements, shipment information for licensed deliveries, including vehicle identification, and building security information. Releasing this information to the public could potentially increase the risk for theft, fraud and the illegal diversion of marijuana.
Nearly all those who testified on the bill were in support of the underlying concept of this legislation. Even those who generally oppose such exemptions were willing to work together with industry, financial institutions and law enforcement to tailor it to address our specific safety concerns.
SB 6207 will both ensure unrestricted access to this information to law enforcement and protect the public’s right to all essential information used to oversee and regulate the marijuana industry.
Few legislators have devoted more time and effort to eradicating the illicit market for marijuana and the role of organized crime than Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center. The enforcement officers of the LCB stand with her, Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, and other legislators in support of this bill.
Justin Nordhorn
Chief of Enforcement
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
