2021 WA Hemp Happenings
ESB 5372 Hemp Processing Registration & Extract Certification
ESB 5372 Passed the Senate 49-0 on March 9, 2021
Referred to House Commerce & Gaming Committee on March 10, 2021
Hearing Scheduled on March 19, 2021 at 10:00am
IHEMPAWA brought this legislation to Olympia as a collaboration of stakeholders working with the WSDA. Hemp processors and businesses are being asked for a hemp processing license and required documentation to sell and market in various states as well as for final products into export markets. Insurance companies and banks also are requiring documentation for processing locations. This bill allows the WSDA to offer a voluntary registration in lieu of a license that will provide the legal documentation needed in most cases for the hemp industry to enter interstate and international markets and do business in Washington State. Some processors will choose to have both the hemp producers license and a processor registration. Hemp processor is defined as a person who takes possession of raw hemp material with the intent to modify, package, or sell a transitional or finished hemp product.
The bill was amended from the original version to include a Hemp Extract Certification. A hemp processor may obtain a voluntary hemp extract certification to allow its use as a food ingredient in another state that allows the use of hemp extract as a food ingredient. WSDA must regulate hemp extract processing the same as other food processing and issue a hemp extract certification in lieu of a food processing license to a hemp processor who meets application requirements. WSDA's oversight is limited to certifying a hemp processor's compliance with applicable inspection and good manufacturing practices requirements. WSDA may adopt rules specific to hemp extract certification and must establish application, initial certification, and renewal fees. A hemp processor holding a hemp extract certification must apply for renewal of the certification annually. Applicants for certification must meet the same requirements as applicants for a food processing license including, but not limited to, successful completion of an inspection by WSDA. WSDA may deny, suspend, or revoke a hemp extract certification on the same grounds that are used for denial, suspension, or revocation of a food processor's license.
WSDA Hemp Program Webinar
Announcing: 2021 Hemp Program Webinar Series
This four-part series aims to give hemp producers the information they need to participate in the Hemp Program for 2021. We’ll kick off the series by introducing the Hemp Program, going over the timeline of a year in the life of a licensee, review changes resulting from the WSDA final rule, and introduce our new application software. The next sessions feature other WSDA services, so hemp producers can learn how to interact with plant services, pesticides, organics, and exports. Each webinar will include time for questions and answers.
Schedule and Agenda
March 17
10 a.m. -12 noon
Webinar 1 – The Hemp Program 2021 Overview
Presenters – Trecia Ehrlich, Hemp Program Manager
Jessica Allenton, Assistant Director of Commodity Inspection Division
March 24
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Webinar 2 – Pesticides and Organics
· Pesticide regulations and issues in hemp production – David Bryson, Pesticide Compliance Program Investigator
· Pesticide use on hemp (What pesticides can I use?) – Kelle Davis, Pesticide Registration Services Program Manager
· Organic and transitional certification – Brenda Book, Organic Program Manager
March 31
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Webinar 3 – Plant Services
· General nursery licensing and regulations to produce hemp plants for sale - Benita Matheson, Plant Services Program Inspector
· Hemp pests of quarantine concern - Cindy Cooper, Plant Services Program Manager
· What is certified seed? - Paula Moore, Seed Program Manager
April 7
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Webinar 4 – Exports and Markets
· Exporting hemp interstate and to foreign destinations - Scott Brooks, Nursery Inspection Program Supervisor
· Exporting 101 - Rebecca Weber, International Marketing Program Trade Specialist
· Update on CBD in manufactured food - David Smith, Food Safety Program Manager
Join the meeting or dial in
Join from the meeting link
https://watech.webex.com/watech/j.php?MTID=m6b9a5e7ef5650cedc3741bb2a1c08406
Join by video system, application or Skype for business
Dial 1773435073@webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-415-655-0001,,1773435073## US Toll.
Industrial Hemp 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 Program. The WSDA is processing applications for producers.
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?
Help Our Hemp Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
