Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and Washington State Department of Agriculture agree to purchase testing equipment and dedicate staff to test for illegal pesticides
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) today announced that they have an agreement in place that will allow the two agencies to work together cooperatively to test for illegal pesticides on marijuana. The WSLCB will pay for the specialized equipment necessary to test for pesticides and two WSDA employees who will be dedicated to carrying out pesticide tests. This agreement is for pesticide enforcement, random testing and testing when illegal pesticides are suspected. “This agreement will significantly expand the state’s ability to test for pesticides,” said WSLCB Director Rick Garza.
“Testing for pesticides is a complex and costly process. Labs need specialized equipment and highly-trained staff to carry out the tests. This agreement will satisfy those obstacles. It will send a strong message to any producer applying illegal pesticides that they will be caught and face significant penalties, including possible cancellation of the license.”
Under the terms of the agreement, WSDA will analyze an average of 75 samples per month covering a spectrum of 100 or more pesticides. The turnaround time for analytical results will be 15-30 calendar days.
WSDA is the state agency responsible for regulating pesticides used and distributed in Washington. Currently, marijuana
growers may use any of the 330 pesticides that WSDA has determined are allowed for use on marijuana, as long as all applicable label directions are followed. The list of allowed pesticides is available on the WSDA’s Pesticide and fertilizer
use on marijuana in Washington webpage. The list is also available by using the Washington State University Pesticide Information Center Online (PICOL) database.
“This new agreement will increase consumer protection in the emerging marijuana retail industry,” WSDA deputy director Kirk Robinson said. “WSDA is pleased to partner with WSLCB to ensure that pesticide use in Washington’s marijuana production follows all applicable laws and regulations.” ---Press release issued 9.15.16
REF. http://agr.wa.gov/News/2016/TestingMarijuanaForIllegalPesticides9-15-16.pdf
See interagency agreement
http://lcb.wa.gov/publications/Marijuana/K813_c.pdf
In other state business related news...
Washington State Commerce Dept: Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $2.3 million to grow local economies
Press release issued: 9.15.16
Funds will support economic development in Clark, Cowlitz, Douglas and Whitman counties
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $2,353,500 for public infrastructure development and economic feasibilities studies targeting business growth and job creation in the Port of Camas-Washougal, Port of Ridgefield, city of Woodland, Port of Douglas County, and city of Colfax.
REF. http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-release-community-economic-revitalization-board-invests-2-3-million-to-grow-local-economies/
DNR considers closing terminal ‘cutout’ at Cherry Point; Move initiated by request from Lummi Nation
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering a change to the boundaries of the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve. DNR decided to consider incorporating a “cutout” area left for the then-proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal into the reserve in response to a request from the Lummi Nation.---press release dated 9.15.16
REF. http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-considers-closing-terminal-%E2%80%98cutout%E2%80%99-cherry-point-move-initiated-request-lummi-nation
DOR: Revenue offers free tax workshop Sept. 29 in Lynnwood
http://dor.wa.gov/Content/AboutUs/newsroom/2016/091516.aspx
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