On April 26, 2019, the Senate Bill 5276 was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee, “authorizing hemp production in conformance with the agriculture improvement act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill).” On February 20, 2020, the USDA issued its approval of Washington’s Hemp Plan. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (“WSDA”) Hemp Program only licenses Hemp Farmer’s.

A new state law allows hemp production, consistent with the federal Farm Bill. It also authorizes the WSDA to regulate the processing of hemp for food products that are allowable under federal law in the same manner as it regulates other food processing. If the FDA approves food ingredient uses for hemp extracts like CBD, those uses would be allowed under state law.

The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and WSDA do not permit CBD to be added to food and beverages or sold as a dietary supplement. The FDA is the overall authority for CBD products derived from Hemp. CBD products like tinctures, lotions, and topicals are allowed.

While CBD is not allowed as a food ingredient, WSDA licensed food processors can currently use other hemp products in food, such as hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein power and hemp seed oil, provided they comply with all other requirements.

In 2019 the state issued approximately 150 hemp-related licenses. The Capital Press reported that Washington farmers have agreed to plant more than 6,000 acres of hemp in 2019 comparing to 140 acres in 2018 and 175 acres in 2017.

In 2021 and 2022, the amount of registered outdoor acreage and indoor square feet significantly declined as a result of oversupply and market correction across the industry. The National Cannabis Report shows 360 acres were planted in Washington in 2021 and 375 acres in 2022.

The WSDA has issued 33 hemp producer licenses for the 2023 growing season.

Washington Hemp Industry Infographics

Hemp CBD Products Online Store Business Plan Sample, Washington

Cannabis business plan templates are available at cannabusinessplans.com.

Washington Cannabis Market