Washington’s Department of Health has scheduled a November 10 public hearing on proposed changes to the state’s medical marijuana product standards, including requirements governing laboratory testing, labeling and product classifications.
The rulemaking, filed under Washington State Register number 26-20-094, concerns Chapter 246-70 of the Washington Administrative Code, which establishes standards for marijuana products designated as compliant for medical use.
The department is reviewing requirements for general-use, high-THC and high-CBD products, along with rules addressing quality assurance testing and the information manufacturers must provide to patients.
Among the changes outlined in earlier drafts is a requirement for medical marijuana product labels to provide a website link or QR code allowing patients to access a product’s certificate of analysis. The certificate contains laboratory testing information that can help patients evaluate cannabinoid concentrations and potential contaminants.
The department’s January 2026 draft also proposed requiring labels to identify the three most prominent terpenes, the harvest date for usable marijuana, and the production date for concentrates and infused products.
The rulemaking additionally seeks to align medical marijuana quality assurance requirements with standards adopted by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Existing medical product standards include testing requirements for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins and microbiological hazards.
Other areas under review include product classifications, medical marijuana compliance logos and requirements associated with tax-exempt purchases by qualifying patients.
Washington currently maintains separate product classifications for general-use, high-THC and high-CBD marijuana. Products meeting medical compliance standards can qualify for certain tax exemptions when purchased by patients holding valid medical marijuana recognition cards.
The department has conducted multiple public workshops on the proposed revisions since 2024, receiving feedback from patients, marijuana businesses and other interested parties. The revisions also include terminology updates required under legislation approved in 2022.
The November 10 hearing will begin at 11 a.m. Pacific Time and will be held virtually through Zoom. Participants must register in advance.
Written comments will be accepted through midnight on November 10. Comments can be submitted through the department’s online rulemaking comment system or emailed to Annie Kause at Annie.Kause@doh.wa.gov.
