Washington State Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational information on Washington State hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of August 1, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Washington, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Washington defines hemp as Cannabis sativa L. and any derivatives with delta‑9 THC concentration not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis (RCW 15.140.020, effective 2019) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=15.140&full=true&utm_source=openai)). The Department of Agriculture administers the hemp program under RCW 15.140 and WAC 16‑306. Hemp must be tested and certified before leaving registered land areas (WAC 16‑306‑120) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=16-306&full=true&utm_source=openai)). If hemp tests above 0.3% but below 0.5%, producers may request retest or resampling; if between >0.3% and <0.7%, remediation is allowed with approved methods and retesting within 30 days (WAC 16‑306‑170, effective 2022) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=16-306-170&utm_source=openai)). Negligent violations are not counted if THC is ≤1.0% and reasonable efforts were made; repeated negligent violations can lead to five‑year ineligibility (WAC 16‑306‑200, effective 2022) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=16-306-200&utm_source=openai)). In 2023, SB 5367 restricted sale of any detectable THC products to licensed cannabis retailers only, banning hemp‑derived and synthetic THC (e.g., delta‑8) in general retail (RCW 69.50.575, via SB 5367) ([lcb.wa.gov](https://lcb.wa.gov/education/hemp-synthetic-thc-products?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp must include THC certification and proper documentation (bill of lading) and may be seized if uncertified (WAC 16‑306‑130, 16‑306‑050) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=16-306&full=true&utm_source=openai)). Products with detectable THC (including delta‑8) are illegal in general retail and must be sold only through licensed cannabis retailers (SB 5367) ([lcb.wa.gov](https://lcb.wa.gov/education/hemp-synthetic-thc-products?utm_source=openai)). No specific age verification for hemp, but cannabis retail rules (21+) apply for THC products.

Testing & COA guidance

Hemp must be tested for delta‑9 THC to obtain THC certification before transport (WAC 16‑306‑120) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=16-306&full=true&utm_source=openai)). WSDA delayed DEA‑registered lab requirement until end of 2023 (policy statement March 20, 2023) ([lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2023/08/23-08-008.htm?utm_source=openai)). As of 2026, WSDA is reviewing lab accreditation rules but no changes yet (bulletin March 30, 2026) ([content.govdelivery.com](https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAAGR/bulletins/410bf81?utm_source=openai)). ISO 17025 not explicitly required in statute.

What to buy

Hemp products with ≤0.3% delta‑9 THC by dry weight, properly tested and certified, such as CBD oils, seed oils, food products, building materials, and CHABA (Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids) exempt items ([lcb.wa.gov](https://lcb.wa.gov/education/hemp-synthetic-thc-products?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Any product with detectable THC (including delta‑8, delta‑10, THCO, synthetic THC) sold outside licensed cannabis retailers is illegal (SB 5367) ([lcb.wa.gov](https://lcb.wa.gov/education/hemp-synthetic-thc-products?utm_source=openai)). Delta‑8 is classified as Schedule I and banned (WSLCB policy and SB 5367) ([cannabisregulations.ai](https://www.cannabisregulations.ai/state-legality/washington-delta-8?utm_source=openai)). No explicit mention of THCa or HHC; status unknown.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC must not exceed 0.3% dry weight (RCW 15.140.020)
• Only licensed cannabis retailers may sell products with any detectable THC (SB 5367, 2023)
• Hemp testing and THC certification required before transport (WAC 16‑306‑120)
• Remediation allowed for hemp testing between >0.3% and <0.7% THC (WAC 16‑306‑170)
• Negligent violation threshold up to 1.0% THC if reasonable efforts made (WAC 16‑306‑200)

Helpful resource: Learn more about Washington, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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