CANNABIS LABORATORY RULE UPDATES
The Cannabis Program is planning to open rules for WAC 16-309 and WAC 16-310 concerning the standards and accreditation requirements for laboratories testing cannabis in the Washington State I-502 marketplace.
During the 2022 Legislative Session, HB 1859 directed the WSDA to establish a cannabis laboratory standard for cannabinoid, heavy metals, pesticide, residual solvent, and other testing. In 2024, WSDA finalized rules on the lab standard, and requested a bill, 2SHB 2151, which transferred laboratory accreditation from the Department of Ecology, to WSDA. Rules for the accreditation program were also finalized in 2024, and in 2025, five laboratories were accredited by WSDA to conduct quality assurance and control testing for Washington State's Cannabis Industry.
Now, a year and a half into program establishment, WSDA seeks to improve and clarify rules to provide administrative ease, and an opportunity after program establishment for public engagement. We look forward to hearing from you, and encourage your involvement as we move forward with updating our rule sets.
Please feel free to reach out in regard to the rule updates at cannabis@agr.wa.gov
HEMP RULE UPDATES
WSDA filed a CR-101 on WAC 16-306 in the fall of 2025. However, in the weeks following the filing, there was a legal change to the definition of hemp at the federal level. Due to a lack of clarity as to how the upcoming legal changes will impact the hemp marketplace and other issues pertaining to WSDA's USDA approved hemp plan and program, the WSDA is holding on any rule changes at this time.
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