FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 22, 2015

Kohl-Welles aims to ease regulation on cannabis health and beauty aid products

OLYMPIA – Cannabis health and beauty aid products would not be subject to the same regulations as marijuana concentrate or marijuana infused products, under Senate Bill 5493, introduced today by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle.

“This bill is about promoting small businesses and allowing entrepreneurs to find new ways to drive our economy, without legal recourse, as we continue to be pioneers in the marijuana legalization process,” said Kohl-Welles. “And topicals can be very soothing on sore muscles.”
Cannabis health and beauty products are not intended to be mood-altering and have no psycho-active effects. Examples of these products, according to Kohl-Welles, are body lotion, soaps, and salves—none of which is ingested. Under Kohl-Welles’ proposal, cannabis health and beauty products would not be able to contain a THC level higher than 0.3 percent, they would not be allowed for human consumption and they would not be able to cross the blood-brain barrier which leads to intoxication.
“This is 20 years in the making,” said Ah Warner, owner and operator of Cannabis Basics, a small business in Magnolia dedicated to creating cannabis health and beauty products since 1995. “My products enhance personal health and wellness by providing the highest quality hemp and cannabis flower topical therapy products. These products are regenerative and can help repair skin, heal wounds and reduce scar tissue.”
Warner’s products include skin soothing lotion, body rescue balm and lip butter. If the legislation passes, Warner would be able to sell her products at major retailers like Nordstrom or Whole Foods.
“It is my hope to see Washington become known as the birthplace of cannabis health and beauty aids,” added Warner. “These aids should be readily available to anyone who wants to see what cannabis therapy can do for them.”
The bill has been referred to the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee, but has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.

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For interviews: Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles – 360-786-7670
For more information: Jon Fowler – 360-786-7535