Landmark legislation in Washington state is authorizing the Washington State Department of Agriculture to create a voluntary certification program for marijuana production. It's the first such bill anywhere in the U.S. and provides for WSDA to establish standards for the production of marijuana that would be consistent with the requirements of USDA and the National Organic Program. The bill, however, specifically prohibits anyone from labeling any marijuana product as "organic," because the term has specific legal meaning under federal organic regulations.

WSDA acknowledged that the process for creating the new regulations will take several months to develop, which would include the marketing claim that may be used for qualifying products. No certifications are currently available for this crop.

Only program participants can be certified
The new bill authorizes WSDA to develop rules to cover a fee schedule designed to sustain the certification program. Running this kind of program is likely to include an application process, inspections, sampling, testing, and a public awareness campaign and enforcement measures to ensure compliance. The program is voluntary, but only those operations that participate in the new program will be allowed to label or claim the designation that their product was produced in accordance with the new yet-to-be-established standards.

WSDA holds the distinction for running the largest state-run certification agency in the country. Established 30 years ago, the Organic Certification Program for organic crops, organic livestock and handlers of organic products has program staff with extensive experience certifying organic operations statewide. The group also provides university Extension education and support for participants.

The rule-making process for the new program starts after the bill goes into effect later this year. The process will include opportunities for public comment. Anyone interested in participating as part of an advisory board should reach out to the WSDA Organic Program at [email protected] for consideration.

Source: WSDA