Following the repeal of the 37% cannabis excise tax for authorized medical patients on June 30th, I visited a dispensary to buy some products. I discovered that the 37% discount was only valid for DOH certified cannabis products, which limited my options as there are fewer available choices in this category.
Consumers have the choice between compliant and regular products.
When visiting dispensaries in SW WA and across WA, you will discover a restricted availability of products that comply with the Department of Health regulations.
The removal of the 37% excise tax for medical cannabis patients is expected to lead to changes, as the principles of supply and demand, along with consumer demand, will likely motivate more producers to cultivate products that could prove beneficial for medical patients.
Prior to shopping, make sure to visit the dispensary website to check which products are compliant with the Department of Health (DOH) regulations and their prices. Simply navigate to the menu section and search for "DOH Compliant" to access a list of DOH-approved products available at the stores.
What are compliant products?
The medical cannabis law creates a set of standards for products that may be beneficial for medical use. Licensed producers and processors may follow voluntary testing standards set forth by the Department of Health in order to create higher quality products. If they do so, the product may be identified as compliant.
This is a voluntary process for producers and adds cost. A compliant product has gone through mandatory testing for:
- Prohibited pesticides
- Heavy metals
- Mycotoxins. Ratios for high CBD/low THC products are transparent and sales tax-free for any adult, not just patients.
General use and high-CBD compliant products may be sold at any licensed cannabis store.
High THC compliant products may be sold Exclusively at licensed and medically endorsed
What does this logo mean?
The logo means that the product has been tested for prohibited pesticides, mycotoxins, and heavy metals, and therefore may be beneficial for medical use.
The logo references WAC chapter 246-70, which outlines the standards for cannabis products to qualify as a compliant product.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) has regulatory authority over licensing and regulating all cannabis producers, processors, retail stores, and patient cooperatives. The Washington State Department of Health has regulatory authority over the medical cannabis database system and credentialing of medical cannabis consultants who work in medically endorsed cannabis stores.
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