Cannabis Testing in Washington Gets Overhaul with WSDA Oversight

1 July 2024

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) will take over responsibility for accrediting cannabis testing laboratories, a significant shift aimed at standardizing testing practices and bolstering oversight within the state’s marijuana business and cannabis industry. This transition, five years in the making, comes after the enactment of new legislation authorizing the WSDA to implement stricter standards and manage accreditation fees. The move addresses issues such as "lab shopping" and "THC inflation," where businesses sought favorable test results to attract consumers, compromising market integrity and public trust.

The WSDA will introduce rigorous testing protocols for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents under the Cannabis Lab Accreditation Standards Program (CLASP). Laboratories will have a six-month grace period to comply with these updated requirements. The goal is to enhance public health safeguards, create a more level playing field for marijuana businesses and producers, and improve transparency for both medical and recreational cannabis users.

While the industry may face short-term challenges adapting to the new standards, the long-term benefits are expected to include safer products, increased consumer confidence, and a stronger reputation for Washington’s marijuana business and overall cannabis market. These changes reflect the state’s commitment to addressing prior inconsistencies and ensuring a credible and reliable industry.