Please be aware that cannabis and related laws vary. Programming in this track is designed to inform attendees about this fast-changing industry, and does not promote the use or sale of illegal drugs.

In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize cannabis and lead the way for others to explore the path to legalization under federal marijuana prohibition. Seven years later, the experiment continues at a time when the national conversation around cannabis is more mainstream than ever and federal action seems more likely than ever. Over 30 states in the U.S. and several nations around the world have legalized some degree of cannabis consumption while regulators and policymakers work to keep up with public sentiment. 

As the end of marijuana prohibition seems just around the corner, how can governments big and small share what they have learned? How can they develop regulations to promote a safe, secure and responsible cannabis marketplace? What can we learn from an era of prohibition and from the first governments that had to take on legalization?
Join Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board Director Rick Garza as he navigates the ever expanding world of cannabis regulations. Director Garza led the effort to implement legal adult use cannabis in Washington seven years ago and continues to work with stakeholders and governments to take on the challenges of legalization into the future.