Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Commerce & Gaming Committee |
HB 2227
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning the laboratory testing of marijuana products.
Sponsors: Representatives Sawyer and Condotta.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/15/18
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
Marijuana Product Testing in Washington State.
State statute requires that all licensed marijuana producers and processors submit samples of their products for testing by independent laboratories meeting certification requirements established by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB). The certification requirements for such testing laboratories have been established by the LCB through administrative rule-making and are not specified in statute. The purpose of such product testing is to ensure that the marijuana products marketed to consumers meet quality assurance and product safety requirements consistent with the standards established by the LCB for such products. The LCB's marijuana product quality standards require that the laboratory testing process include the following: (1) potency analysis; (2) microbial analysis; (3) pesticide analysis; (4) heavy metals analysis; and (5) residual solvent analysis.
The LCB has contracted with the Center for Laboratory Sciences at Columbia Basin College (Pasco, Washington) to conduct and administer the certification process for marijuana product testing laboratories.
International Organization for Standardization.
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops internationally recognized technical standards for manufactured products, technology, food safety, agriculture, and health care. The types of standards promulgated by the ISO include general quality assurance standards applicable to the methods and processes used by laboratories involved in testing and/or calibration, as well as sampling analysis. This laboratory performance standard is officially designated as "ISO/ISE 17025: 2005", which is applicable to any laboratory involved in product testing or calibration activities. The ISO standard is often used by laboratory accreditation entities as part of the process by which the technical competence of a laboratory is assessed and confirmed for purposes of certification.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning on January 1, 2019, the methods and processes by which a marijuana product testing laboratory tests marijuana products must meet the technical standards established by the ISO for laboratories involved in testing, calibration, and/or sampling. Any entity approved by the LCB to administer the laboratory certification process must utilize the pertinent standards established by the ISO for evaluating such laboratories.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.