Washington State Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Law Guide

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

Washington, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Washington law 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 as codified) ([app.leg.wa.gov](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=15.140.020&utm_source=openai)). Producers must be licensed by WSDA under RCW 15.140.060; hemp exceeding 0.3 % delta‑9 THC is treated as cannabis (RCW 15.140.120) ([agr.wa.gov](https://agr.wa.gov/departments/agricultural-products/hemp/hemp-faq?utm_source=openai)). In 2023, E2SSB 5367 (effective July 23 2023) restricted sale of any products with detectable THC to licensed cannabis retailers only, closing loopholes for delta‑8, delta‑10, synthetic THC, etc. ([lcb.wa.gov](https://lcb.wa.gov/education/hemp-synthetic-thc-products?utm_source=openai)). WSDA prohibits CBD in food or ingestible products; only hemp seed, seed oil, and seed protein (GRAS) are allowed in food (WSDA food safety guidance) ([agr.wa.gov](https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/hemp-and-hemp-extract-certification?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound and outbound hemp shipments are allowed for licensed WSDA hemp producers; interstate commerce permitted once THC certification is obtained (WSDA FAQ) ([agr.wa.gov](https://agr.wa.gov/departments/agricultural-products/hemp/hemp-faq?utm_source=openai)). No special age verification for shipping hemp plant material. Retail sale of THC‑containing hemp products is restricted to licensed cannabis retailers; unlicensed stores cannot ship or sell such products (E2SSB 5367) ([lcb.wa.gov](https://lcb.wa.gov/education/hemp-synthetic-thc-products?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

WSDA requires sampling within 30 days prior to harvest and testing for delta‑9 THC including measurement of uncertainty (WAC 16‑306‑090/‑160; WSDA FAQ) ([agr.wa.gov](https://agr.wa.gov/departments/agricultural-products/hemp/hemp-faq?utm_source=openai)). DEA‑registered lab requirement is delayed (policy WSR 23‑08‑008, March 22 2023) ([lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov](https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsrpdf/2023/08/23-08-008.pdf?utm_source=openai)). COA retention rules not specified publicly; labs must follow WSDA protocols.

What to buy

Allowed: hemp plant material and derivatives with ≤ 0.3 % delta‑9 THC; hemp seed, hemp seed oil, hemp seed protein for food; topical CBD products (non‑ingestible) via WSDA‑licensed producers.

What to avoid

Avoid: any products with detectable THC sold outside licensed cannabis retailers; ingestible CBD (gummies, tinctures, beverages, edibles) are prohibited; delta‑8, delta‑10, synthetic THC products are illegal; smokable hemp with THC is treated as cannabis.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC in hemp must be ≤ 0.3 % dry weight (RCW 15.140.020)
• Only WSDA‑licensed hemp producers may grow hemp (RCW 15.140.060)
• Only licensed cannabis retailers may sell products with any detectable THC (E2SSB 5367, effective 7/23/2023)
• CBD not allowed in food or ingestible products; only hemp seed, seed oil, seed protein allowed (WSDA food safety)
• Delta‑8 and other synthetic THC products are illegal in Washington (LCB policy)

Helpful resource: Learn more about Washington, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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