Share / View as a webpage

Cannabis Laboratory Accreditation Standard Program

May 29, 2025

Establishing a Reliable Cannabis Testing Infrastructure in Washington State:

Progress, challenges, and the urgent need for continued support

Background:

During the 2023—2024 Legislative Session, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) introduced and successfully passed legislation to transfer the authority for cannabis laboratory accreditation from the Department of Ecology to WSDA. This bill authorized WSDA to develop and administer a publicly funded program to audit and accredit cannabis testing laboratories.

Following passage, WSDA initiated the creation and implementation of a laboratory auditing and accreditation program grounded in sound scientific principles and consumer protection.

Establishing new standards and supporting laboratory compliance:

In Spring 2024, WSDA finalized new laboratory standards (WAC 16-309) and associated accreditation rules (WAC 16-310). Laboratories were given six months to align with these updated requirements, with WSDA beginning data review on November 1, 2024.

Despite this transition period, several laboratories were unable to submit compliant data before the deadline. WSDA has since worked collaboratively with affected labs

to assist them in achieving compliance.

Current status of laboratory accreditation:

As of May 12, 2025, WSDA has approved 12 testing parameters across five laboratories. However, eight testing parameters remain suspended across four laboratories. Laboratories with suspended parameters are prohibited from conducting testing for those specific categories until they regain compliance.

While method validation takes time, laboratories have shown good faith and strong cooperation in pursuing these elevated standards. WSDA continues to provide direct support and technical assistance to help suspended laboratories regain approved status.

Budget cuts and implications for program continuity:

Unfortunately, amid a significant budget shortfall for the State of Washington, the WSDA accreditation program’s budget was reduced by 50% for Fiscal Year 2025 beginning July 1, 2025.

We are exploring avenues to secure funding so that we can maintain a continuous level of service through 2025, and get through our first audit season.

Reduced funding will force:

• Staff reassignments
• Limited capacity to assist labs or conduct audits

Without restored funding in the supplemental budget, WSDA may:

• Open rulemaking to implement lab fees
• Reduce program services further