What to Know About New Chair of Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board Jim Vollendroff
As Washington State Governor Jay Inslee reaches the end of his third term, he’s finishing the job with crucial appointments for the state’s cannabis industry. Inslee appointed Jim Vollendroff as new Chair to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) on December 18, 2024. Vollendroff will take over the role of previous chairman, David Postman, who has vacated his position to become the new Chief of Staff for Attorney General Nick Brown.
Appointed to the Liquor and Cannabis Board in 2022, Vollendroff will bring more than 35 years of behavioral health experience to the position. Vollendroff has previously worked with the University of Washington and King County.
The LCB consists of three members, each appointed to six-year terms by the state governor. Their job duties include policy and budget decisionmaking, ruling on license applications, enforcing compliance among licensees, and holding regular sessions and meetings with stakeholders.
"I am eager to work with my fellow board members and LCB staff addressing emerging trends within the dynamic industries we license and regulate," said Vollendroff in a press release.
Jim Vollendroff’s background
According to his LinkedIn profile, Vollendroff has a master’s in public administration from the Evergreen State College. He is the founding director of the Harborview Medical Center | UW Medicine Behavioral Health Institute, and a part-time insturctor at UW’s School of Social Work.
His bio also says: “As an individual in long term recovery I bring my professional and educational background together with lived experience to transform systems and influence public policy.”
Support for the new Chair of WSLCB
According to the Cannabis Observer’s summary of the board meeting, Peter Manning, president of Black Excellence in Cannabis, expressed support for the new appointment. Cannabis Observer reports that Mannng “voiced support” for the decision, calling it a great move in the right direction. Manning also expressed concerns about other agency officials, including those involved in previous litigation between Black Excellence in Cannabis Members and the WSLCB.
Others expressed support for Vollendroff, according to the Cannabis Oberver’s report. Paul Brice, owner of Happy Trees, for example, shared support by saying, “if you hear some BS, you won’t just pretend to be dumb about it…you’ll address it.”
Will Jim Vollendorf have a positive impact on the Washington state cannabis industry? Only time will tell. We will continue to keep a close eye on the WSLCB and report any updates.