The Washington Department of Health requirement for heavy metals testing has been temporarily suspended, according to an announcement by the Department of Health.
The rules are voluntary, meant to be used as a way to provide additional safety to consumers on top of mandatory Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) rules. The LCB does not require either heavy metals or pesticide testing. To receive the logo certifying compliance, producers previously needed to complete the additional testing.
The regulations have been suspended temporarily over a lack of LCB-certified testing labs for heavy metals as of January 24. The Washington Department of Health says it hopes to secure a new lab in the near future, though the suspension is expected to remain for an unknown amount of time dependent on the LCB certifying a new lab for heavy metals testing.
While the temporary suspension of heavy metals testing is in effect, producers using the certification logo will be required to display a notice on the packaging that says, “Not tested for heavy metals.”
Washington producers or patients with questions should call the Medical Marijuana Program office at 360-236-4819 or email medicalmarijuana@doh.wa.gov.
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