Industrial Hemp Association of WA

New WA Hemp Program Legislation

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Hemp House Bill Filed 2019 Updated 2/12/19

 House Bill Hb1401 relating to a New Hemp Program was filed on January 18, 2019 in the Washington State Legislature! An amendment has been proposed to clarify that there is No buffer zone as well as others to be announced soon. Once this bill passes in the House and Senate and is signed off by the governor, it will replace the IHRP.  Senate Bill Sb 5276 is now a substitute bill based on Hb 1401 with some amendments. HB 1401 is in line with the farm bill and fixes major issues that were part of the IHRP. The 4 mile buffer zone between hemp and marijuana is eliminated, the whole plant is in the hemp definition and CBD is able to be harvested as food. There is a grandfather clause for those with IHRP licenses to move under the new program rules and regulations once set for the remainder of their license term. The IHRP expires on January 1, 2020. IHEMPAWA is excited to be part of the wild west of hemp!  

Hb 1401

Hemp Legal in America Once Again!

The 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law on December 20, 2018 legalizing Hemp in all 50 states! Now there is much work to do in Washington State to bring us in line with the Farm Bill regarding hemp. Legislation has to be passed in the next session beginning mid January to change our state language to open up farming and the supply chain. It will be at least 6 months before the new hemp program will be in affect and new licenses are available. Hemp field GPS coordinates and THC results are mandatory under the 2018 Farm Bill.


The WSDA must submit a proposal to the USDA for approval of our new program. It will be at least 6 months before the new hemp program will be in affect and licenses available. There is a chance the time frame for state laws to change may be after the 2019 planting season begins. Washington's Hemp Research Pilot Program will expire January 1, 2020. The current program rules and regulations will be in effect until state law is implemented and new rules and regulations written and signed off on.  There will most likely be a Grandfather Clause for IHRP licensees to move over to the New Program rules and regulations.


A WSDA request for hemp funding was not included in the Governor's budget but is going to be put in this coming legislative session in another form. There are back up plans. I will let you know more on funding and other new hemp program specifics when I have details.   Stay Tuned for updates on developments.

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The 2018 Farm Bill was signed officially legalizing hemp

Link to Farm Bill Info Hemp starts pg 429

Hemp Farmers Needed!

It is time to make plans for the 2019 Hemp Farming Season!  


There are member partner farming and contract opportunities available for the 2019 Hemp season. 


Please Contact Us for more information.


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Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program Accepting Applications

Washington State's Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program is accepting applications. New stream lined applications are now available and are much less complicated and less information is required. Contact us with questions and assistance filling out your program application to acquire a license to grow, process or market Industrial Hemp in WA.

IHRP Application and Info
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Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Act, it is now federally legal to grow industrial hemp in Washington State. Hemp can only be grown with a license through the WSDA Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program until a new Hemp Agricultural Commodity Program can be developed.  The WSDA is processing applications for growers, processors, marketers and seed distributors. 

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Our Industrial Hemp Association of WA Mission

Promoting the research and development of Industrial Hemp as an agricultural crop in Washington State as a viable and sustainable ultimate renewable natural resource through the Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program. Supporting and educating pioneers in the field while advocating legislation on their behalves. Members share research and resources as growers, seed and equipment suppliers, food and building material processors, organizations and those who dare to reinvent the wheel to fit into our industry. We are building a sustainable re-emerging industry together. We are here to answer when asked, What is Industrial Hemp and what is it used for?, How do I get a License to grown hemp in WA? How do you grow Industrial Hemp?