(1) A training program must include:

(a) A minimum of 20 total instruction hours in the following subjects:

(i) A minimum of five hours of instruction on Washington state laws and rules relating to cannabis to include, but not be limited to, the following topics:

(A) Qualifying patient and designated provider cannabis home grow laws;

(B) Patient and designated provider cannabis purchase and possession limits;

(C) Cannabis product compliance, quality assurance testing, and labeling requirements for recreational and compliant cannabis products, including pesticide labeling as defined under chapter 246-70 WAC;

(D) Pesticide use on cannabis products; and

(E) The medical cannabis authorization process;

(ii) A minimum of two hours on qualifying conditions and the common symptoms of each;

(iii) A minimum of two hours on the short- and long-term positive and negative effects of cannabinoids;

(iv) A minimum of five hours on products that may benefit qualifying patients based on the patient's condition, any potential contraindications and the risks and benefits of various routes of administration;

(v) A minimum of two hours on safe handling of cannabis products, including strategies to reduce access by minors;

(vi) A minimum of two hours on ethics and patient privacy and rights; and

(vii) A minimum of two hours on the risks and warning signs of overuse, abuse and addiction.

(b) An examination comprised of at least five questions for each hour of instruction must be given for each subject. The applicant must pass the examination for each subject with a minimum score of 70 percent. Questions must be randomly selected from a sufficient supply of questions to ensure the validity of the examination. The secretary reserves the right to approve or deny individual questions and answers.

(2) Training may be provided in-person or electronically. If the training is provided electronically, students must have real-time access to the instructor during at least half of the instruction hours for each subject.

(3) Instructors must have demonstrated knowledge and experience related to cannabis and to the subject matter, and hold:

(a) An active license to practice as a health care professional as defined in RCW 69.51A.010(5). A licensee whose credential is placed under a disciplinary order must request review and secretary approval to begin or continue as an instructor for the approved training program;

(b) An active license to practice law in the state of Washington;

(c) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in:

(i) Agriculture, botany, or horticulture;

(ii) Nursing, provided the instructor also holds an active license to practice as a registered nurse under chapter 18.79 RCW; or

(iii) Any other discipline, provided the intended instructor also submits a curriculum vitae with a written statement which demonstrates at least seven years of experience in the regulated cannabis industry.

(4) An owner, agent, principal, or instructor of a training program shall not have a direct or indirect financial interest in a cannabis business licensed by the Washington state liquor and cannabis board under chapter 69.50 RCW.