New Rules for Pot Businesses to Allow Out-of-state Financing

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board is revising its proposed new rules for the state's marijuana industry to include measures that would allow investment from people in other states and require "Mr. Yuk" stickers on pot-infused foods.

The board says it's making the revisions, among others, in response to public input. Public health advocates have sought the requirement for the "Mr. Yuk" stickers, which suggest the products are poisonous and are designed to discourage children from ingesting them.

Many in the industry, meanwhile, have wanted the ban on out-of-state investment lifted to make it easier to raise money. Board spokesman Brian Smith says out-of-state financiers will be subject to financial and criminal background checks, as are in-state financiers.

The revisions in the proposed rules come as the board works to merge the state's medical and recreational marijuana markets. If adopted, the rules would become effective in March.