Washington Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws in Washington as of September 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 part thereof with delta‑9 THC concentration not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis (RCW 15.140.020, effective 2023‑c 365) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=15.140.020&utm_source=openai)). The Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers the hemp program, including licensing producers and processors under chapter 15.140 RCW and WAC 16‑306 (effective 2019, rules adopted 2020) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=15.140&utm_source=openai)). WSDA may regulate processing of hemp for food under chapters 15.130 and 69.07 RCW, and issues voluntary hemp extract facility certifications for export compliance (RCW 69.07 definitions, certified 2024) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/documents/Laws/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2069%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2069%20%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2069%20%20%20COMBINEDTITLE.pdf?utm_source=openai)). In 2023, the legislature passed SB 5367 (RCW 69.50.575), making it illegal for unlicensed retailers to sell any products with detectable THC—including hemp‑derived delta‑8, delta‑10, THCO, etc.—unless sold by licensed cannabis retailers; CHABA and FDA‑approved hemp seed/seed oil products are exempt ([lcb.wa.gov](https://lcb.wa.gov/education/hemp-synthetic-thc-products?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp (≤ 0.3% Δ9 THC) are allowed if from licensed producers/processors; hemp extract certification may be required for export/import compliance. Age verification is not specified for hemp, but any product with detectable THC must be sold only by licensed cannabis retailers (age‑restricted). Retailer registration: hemp producers/processors must be licensed by WSDA; hemp extract facilities may obtain voluntary certification for export.

Testing & COA guidance

WSDA requires post‑harvest testing of hemp for delta‑9 THC using ground whole‑plant samples or USDA‑approved methods (RCW 15.140.050) ([leg.wa.gov](https://leg.wa.gov/media/jcmbkcuu/title-15-rcw.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Licensing rules under WAC 16‑306 include THC testing protocols and uncertainty margins (WAC 16‑306‑030) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/documents/laws/wsr/2020/03/20-03PERM.pdf?utm_source=openai)). WSDA’s hemp plan includes voluntary testing for pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins under WAC 16‑306‑100 ([ams.usda.gov](https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/WashingtonStateDeptofAgHempPlan.pdf?utm_source=openai)). ISO/17025 not specified.

What to buy

Allowed: hemp flower, seed, seed oil, fiber, building materials, cosmetics, topical products, plain‑packaged hemp flower, non‑ingestible hemp extracts (cosmetics) under WSDA regulation.

What to avoid

Avoid: consumable hemp products (foods, beverages with CBD) — prohibited; any products with detectable THC (delta‑8, delta‑10, THCO, THCa, HHC) unless sold by licensed cannabis retailers; intoxicating hemp products remain illegal in unlicensed retail.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC in hemp must not exceed 0.3% dry weight (RCW 15.140.020)
• Only licensed cannabis retailers may sell products with detectable THC, including delta‑8 (RCW 69.50.575)
• Hemp producers must be licensed by WSDA under RCW 15.140 and WAC 16‑306
• Hemp extract facility certification is voluntary but required for export (RCW 69.07 definitions)
• Consumable hemp products (e.g., food/beverage CBD) are prohibited

Helpful resource: Learn more about Washington, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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