If they want to continue making edibles, producers in Washington state must now pay for a special endorsement on their business licenses which costs $895 a year.
According to a press release, the extra money will allow the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to focus on ensuring these types of cannabis operations comply with state sanitary processing requirements.
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Since Washington’s recreational marijuana law began in 2012, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) has been responsible for regulating marijuana infused edible (MIE) processors.
And according to the WSDA:
Last year, the Legislature provided for WSLCB to share authority to regulate these businesses with WSDA through its Food Safety Program, which already licenses and inspects most types of food processing facilities in Washington to protect public health from risks in the food supply.
And while the Department of Agriculture will enforce sanitary standards, the WSLCB will continue to license and regulate marijuana processors and edible producers.
Businesses can visit www.bls.dor.wa.gov beginning March 29 to complete the application online. The change takes effect April 1, but businesses have until April 30 to obtain the endorsement and pay the fee
Edible makers can expect to see an increase in inspections and outreach under the new system, all covered by the additional fee.
Currently there are 127 edibles businesses listed in Washington state.
