Overview of Rulemaking

The department adopted rules establishing the Cannabis Laboratory Accreditation Standards Program in chapter 16-309 WAC, which includes:

1. Creating education and training requirements for laboratory personnel, which depend on position, or testing responsibilities (WAC 16-309-050 through WAC 16-309-080).
2. Requiring standard operating procedure (SOP) criteria for all laboratory testing (WAC 16-309-090).
3. Requiring sampling and homogenization protocols for sample preparation (WAC 16-309-100).
4. Requiring security and safety protocols for the laboratory and for the laboratory staff (WAC 16-309-110).
5. Requiring the use of quality control and assurance protocols for laboratory testing (WAC 16-309-120).
6. Establishing facilities and equipment maintenance criteria for the laboratory (WAC 16-309-130).
7. Establishing method performance criteria for laboratory testing (WAC 16-309-140).
8. Establishing quality control and method performance criteria specific to each required test: water activity testing; cannabinoid concentration analysis; foreign matter inspection; microbiological testing; residual solvent testing; mycotoxin testing; pesticide testing; and heavy metals testing (WAC 16-309-140 through WAC 16-309-210).
9. Establishing required standardized testing procedures for cannabinoid concentration analysis, residual solvents testing, and heavy metals testing. (WAC 16-309-160, WAC 16-309-190, and WAC 16-309-220).
10. Establishing quality control and method performance criteria for analyte testing outside of product testing requirements as established by the LCB (WAC 16-309-230).
11. Creating laboratory computers and information system requirements (WAC 16-309-240).
12. Establishing method validation criteria for laboratory testing (WAC 16-309-2640).
13. Establishing a process by which laboratories can submit their own methods for approval. (WAC 16-309-250)
14. Establishing minimum proficiency testing standards for laboratories (WAC 16-309-270).
15. Establishing certificate of analysis (CoA) report requirements (WAC 16-309-280).
16. Establishing procurement protocols for the selection and purchasing of services and supplies for the laboratory (WAC 16-309-290).
17. Establishing sample subcontracting requirements for third party services (WAC 16-309-300).

Along with the establishment of this new chapter of WAC, the department also adopted a policy statement delaying the enforcement on the requirements of this chapter through December 31, 2024. The policy statement can be found in the link below.