Organic cannabis may be on the horizon for Washington state. The Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Program’s team is moving forward with a state certification process for marijuana products produced in a manner consistent with the Federal Organics standards (7 CFR Part 205).

Since 2002, the “organic” claim has been federally defined and limited to crops recognized as agriculture products by the USDA. Marijuana products are not currently federally recognized as agriculture products. Therefore, organic certification for marijuana has historically been impossible in Washington.

A certification program specific to Washington must use a different claim on compliant products. The rules committee is considering the term “Certified Cannabis” for use on compliant product labels. The use of the new term in marketing will require certification by the WSDA Organics Team which is funded through those certification fees.

As part of the rulemaking process, WSDA will release the proposed rule. It will open to public comment this fall.

If you are interested in taking part in the rulemaking process, you may submit your comments for consideration to the WSDA. There will also be an opportunity for public comment directly to the rulemaking committee at the end of the public comment period. For more information on the rulemaking process, contact the WSDA Organic Program Manager.