The Following Message is being Sent on Behalf of the Washington State Department of Health

Notice to Marijuana Business Licensees

Update to the message below: Effective April 11, 2019, a lab has been certified by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) to provide heavy metal testing on cannabis products.

WSLCB Certified Heavy Metal Testing Lab

Medicine Creek Analytics

3700 Pacific Hwy E. #400

Fife, WA 98424

The Department of Health has rescinded the emergency rule, filed January 24, 2019 temporarily suspending the heavy metal testing requirement. Effective April 18, 2019, all products produced under chapter 246-70 WAC will be required to be tested for heavy metals and no longer required to include "Not tested for heavy metals" on the label.

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What is the purpose of this notice?

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) are reaching out to industry leaders to notify you of temporary changes to heavy metal testing requirements. Products compliant with DOH rules are required to be tested for heavy metals and prohibited pesticides to promote patient safety under chapter 246-70 WAC. These requirements are voluntary and in addition to WSLCB rules.

What is the current situation?

Testing for heavy metals and pesticides is provided by a WSLCB certified testing lab. Beginning January 25, 2019, there will not be any laboratories certified to test cannabis products for heavy metals.  The department has filed emergency rules to temporarily suspend the heavy metal testing requirement, effective January 24, 2019. For licensed producers and processors committed to creating cannabis products compliant with DOH rules, securing a new lab will allow continued heavy metal testing services. The suspension would stay in effect until a lab becomes certified to screen for heavy metals.

How does the emergency rule impact me?

Effective January 24, 2019, products produced under this suspension that have not been tested for heavy metals, may still use the DOH logo appropriate for their product (General Use, High CBD, or High THC) as long as “Not Tested for Heavy Metals” is included on the label before being sold in retail stores. A copy of the emergency rule has been attached for reference.

Contact

For information on how to comply with this requirement, please contact the Medical Marijuana Program at 260-236-4819 or medicalmarijuana@doh.wa.gov. For other questions, please contact your Liquor and Cannabis Board enforcement officer.