The bill reassigns the accreditation of private cannabis testing laboratories from the Department of Ecology to the Department of Agriculture in Washington State. It mandates that by July 1, 2024, the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Liquor and Cannabis Board, must adopt rules to implement the changes. The bill includes provisions for the Department of Agriculture to utilize expedited rule-making processes and outlines the responsibilities of licensed cannabis producers and processors regarding the submission of samples for testing. It also establishes that if a sample fails to meet quality assurance standards, the entire lot must be destroyed, unless otherwise specified by the board.

Additionally, the bill amends existing regulations to reflect the transfer of responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture, including the authority to determine and collect fees to support the cannabis product testing laboratory accreditation program. It repeals previous regulations under RCW 43.21A.736 and ensures that all fees collected will be deposited into the dedicated cannabis account. The bill emphasizes the need for cooperation between the Department of Agriculture and the interagency coordination team to effectively implement the new accreditation program. Sections of the bill take effect immediately, while the main provisions will be effective from July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.21A.736
Substitute Bill: 43.21A.736
Second Substitute: 43.21A.736
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.21A.736
Session Law: 43.21A.736