On May 1, 2019, a policy statement on the transition from IHRP to implementation of a commercial "hemp" program under both the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) and E2SSB 5276 was signed. E2SSB 5276 was signed by Governor Inslee on April 26, 2019, and took effect immediately on that date. Most sections of E2SSB 5276 authorize the Washington state department of agriculture (WSDA) to develop a new "hemp plan" to replace the current IHRP upon approval of the new hemp plan by the United States Department of Agriculture and its adoption by WSDA using expedited rule making.

E2SSB 5276 at section 3(4) provides that "immediately … and before the adoption of rules implementing this chapter, persons licensed to grow hemp under chapter 15.120 RCW may produce hemp in a manner otherwise consistent with the provisions of this chapter and the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018." This policy statement interprets how WSDA intends to implement those sections of E2SSB 5276 that make immediate changes to IHRP.

A copy of the policy statement may be obtained by accessing our web site or by contacting Gloriann Robinson, Agency Rules Coordinator, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone 360-902-1802, email wsdarulescomments@agr.wa.gov.