Committee Hears Industry, Regulators on Bill to Rely on WSDA Accreditation for Cannabis Labs

A state House committee heard public testimony Wednesday on House Bill 13-47, which would make the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) accreditation the initial basis for certifying cannabis testing laboratories and direct agencies to reduce duplicated oversight.

Rep. Christine Reeves, the bill’s prime sponsor, told the Labor & Commerce Committee the measure is intended to “reduce duplication, enhance government efficiency and make sure that our industry has the necessary tools to ensure compliance and public safety.” The bill passed the House 88–3, staff reported.

Supporters from the cannabis industry and testing labs said the intent is sound but asked for clarifying language and funding. Caitlin Ryan, executive director of the Cannabis Alliance, said, “Clarifying that laboratory accreditation rests solely with the Department of Agriculture doesn't weaken that oversight; it actually strengthens it.” She and other witnesses said WSDA has the technical expertise and statutory authority to oversee laboratory competency and audits.

Nick Mosley, CEO of Confidence Analytics, an accredited testing lab, stressed a technical distinction: “Testing labs are not certified. Testing labs are accredited to do so,” and urged drafting changes so the bill reflects existing accreditation regimes rather than changing technical definitions.

Mark Webster of the Liquor and Cannabis Board testified without policy objection but warned that implementation details matter. He said components of LCB’s prior accreditation-related rules address audit trails, sample traceability and how inspectors operate; those functions must be preserved in any amendment to avoid weakening the state’s ability to verify results.

Several industry witnesses said an amendment is being negotiated to preserve LCB’s authority over product standards and enforcement while allowing WSDA to be the accreditation authority. Amber Vaughn of the Washington Cannabis Business Association and Bethany Rondeau of the Washington Cannabis Licensing Association both urged clear language and adequate, sustained funding for the WSDA program.

The bill’s sponsor committed to convening LCB, WSDA and industry stakeholders to resolve outstanding implementation questions and to circulate an amendment before executive action.

The committee paused further action on HB 13-47 to allow those discussions; no committee vote on the bill was recorded during the hearing.