Current IHRP activities
New Policy Statement
- The IHRP has issued a new policy statement on how WSDA will determine if a 0.003 THC test result exceeds the regulatory limit for industrial hemp. The federal and Washington state statutory standard for the allowed level of THC in a tested sample of industrial hemp is silent on whether or how to interpret a test result beyond the three decimal (thousandths) place represented by the “0.3 percent” significant figure standard. This policy statement is intended to provide a “significant figure rounding” convention when an isolated or aggregated THC test result extends beyond the first three decimal places (up to three additional decimal places). Applying significant figure rounding can determine whether a .003 test result meets the “not more than 0.3 percent” (federal law) or “0.3 percent [THC] or less” (state law) significant figure standard.
New Application Form
- The IHRP has simplified the application process. We combined the Grower, Processor/Marketer, and Combination applications into one application form [PDF 399 KB] and reduced the amount of supporting documentation needed. As a reminder, email submissions will not be accepted.
Outreach Material Available
- The program has created outreach material to assist the industrial hemp industry and potential applicants to better understand the requirements of WSDA’s Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program. Please see our updated IHRP PowerPoint that provides an overview of the program and licensing process, including information on getting industrial hemp seeds.
About the IHRP
The Industrial Hemp Research Pilot (IHRP) was authorized by the Washington State Legislature in 2016. Washington’s industrial hemp bill, ESSB 6206 [external link] (now codified as Chapter 15.120 RCW) [external link], directed WSDA to develop a process for issuing licenses to produce industrial hemp as a means of researching the cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp in our state. Washington’s law was passed in accordance with the 2014 Farm Bill, which allowed states to grow hemp only for research purposes and determine if it is a viable industry.
Common products developed from industrial hemp
The industrial hemp stalk, which can reach about 15 feet, contains fiber and a hard, woody core that can be used for a variety of purposes. The industrial hemp seed can be processed into oil and other foods. Some of the products that can be produced using industrial hemp include:
- fabrics and textiles
- yarns and raw or processed spun fibers
- paper
- carpeting
- construction and insulation materials
- animal bedding
- foods and beverages
- body care products
- industrial oils
- cosmetics
Frequently asked questions about industrial hemp
Because the Industrial Hemp Research Pilot is so new, we have listed some of our most frequently asked questions regarding the program on our Industrial Hemp FAQ page. If you have a question not covered under our FAQs, please contact the program directly.
[source Washington Dept. of Ag]