Incorporating changes from the USDA Final Rule into the WSDA Hemp Program

On September 21, 2021, a policy statement incorporating changes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) final rule into the Washington state department of agriculture (WSDA) hemp program was signed. In January of 2021, the USDA published the final rule for the Domestic Production of Hemp (final rule), with an effective date of March 22, 2021. Prior to the publication of the final rule, the WSDA had implemented rules in alignment with the USDA's interim final rule. The final rule provides a series of leniencies that will be beneficial to hemp producers in Washington state. These include: Increasing the period of time for the inspection of hemp plants prior to their harvest; creating options for the remediation of noncompliant hemp plants, and inspection of microgreens, clones, and seedlings; and a delay in the enforcement date for Drug Enforcement Administration registration of hemp testing laboratories. By issuing a policy statement, hemp producers in Washington state will be able to take advantage of these changes immediately, while we work to incorporate them into rule.

A copy of the policy statement may be obtained by accessing our website 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.

Derek I. Sandison

Director