The rising deregulation of marijuana as a legal crop in more states is also opening up new business opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs. The key is that there are more ways to consume cannabis than simply taking a smoke. The trend is for creation of innovative marijuana-infused edibles — and this goes beyond those brownies your friends may have baked in college. Companies are bringing a multitude of products to market, from oils that work with vape products to infused candies.

The key is regulating these products, not only from a “strength” standpoint but also from a food safety perspective. In Washington state, that structure for regulating marijuana-infused edibles — or MIE products — changed in April. That’s when the statutory authority to regulate makers of MIE was added to the administrative responsibilities of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This move requires these businesses to apply for a special endorsement on their business licenses.

Required endorsement costs $895
The ultimate regulatory authority for marijuana operations remains with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (the board). This adjustment in law and rules will allow WSDA to focus on ensuring these MIE operations comply with state sanitary processing requirements. The endorsement carries an annual fee of $895, and WSDA is providing a 30-day grace period for businesses to obtain the license endorsement.

Application for the endorsement must be made through the Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service. Businesses can visit bls.dor.wa.gov to complete the application online.

Washington’s recreational marijuana law went into effect in 2012, and the board has been responsible for regulating MIE processors. Under an agreement with the board, the WSDA Food Safety Program has been inspecting those MIE businesses for sanitation and reporting to the board, which then determined whether to license operations to produce marijuana-infused edibles.

Last year, the state Legislature provided for the board to share authority to regulate MIE businesses with WSDA through its Food Safety Program. That program already licenses and inspects most types of food processing facilities in the state to protect public health from risks to the food supply. The board will continue to license and regulate marijuana processors and MIE firms; WSDA will enforce sanitary standards for MIE facilities.

What new rules mean
Under the new structure, MIE-producing businesses are likely to see a rise in outreach and more frequent inspections, all covered by the additional fee. There are currently 127 businesses in the state producing marijuana-infused edibles. WSDA’s role in these inspections include assessing facility construction and equipment, cleaning and sanitizing practices, allowable products, labeling, and carrying out enforcement and recalls when necessary.

WSDA has a web page devoted to MIE products, with more information on the revised program. Businesses with questions can also email [email protected] or call the WSDA Food Safety Program at 360-902-1876.

Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture