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Pesticide Application in Recreational Marijuana

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Pesticide Application in Recreational Marijuana Production

For more information, call toll-free 877-301-4555.
Licensing questions: License@agr.wa.gov
WPS training questions: TSEP@agr.wa.gov 

 

Licensing Requirements

You are not required to have a pesticide license if BOTH of the following apply to you:
  • You only apply general use pesticides, and
  • You only apply pesticides on land you or your employer owns or rents.

If you or your employees are hired to apply pesticides on another person's property, you must be licensed as a commercial applicator. Any employee applying pesticides without direct supervision must be licensed as a commercial operator.
In addition, the commercial applicator (CA) must be licensed in all categories in which your company operates. For example, if the company you are the CA for is doing insect control in a production field, you are required to have the Agricultural Insect and Disease Control category even if you will not be the individual applying the pesticide.

If you are still unsure what license type you may need, please refer to the Pesticide Licensing Decision Tree [PDF].


The Licensing and Recertification Program is responsible for the initial and continued certification of pesticide applicators. Refer to the Licensing and Recertification Program for more information.

Training Requirements

If you are applying any pesticide that includes an Agricultural Use Requirements box on the label, employees must be trained on the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements. Three options for meeting the WPS training requirements are listed below:
  • Currently be a licensed applicator certified to use restricted use pesticides (in any category or certification).
  • Have completed an EPA-approved pesticide safety train-the-trainer program for trainers of pesticide handlers.
  • Have an appropriately licensed or trained individual give the training for you.


The Technical Services and Education (TSE) Program is responsible for providing education and outreach about pesticide laws and rules including WPS requirements. Refer to the TSE program for more information.

Learn More about WPS Training

Important Terms

General use pesticides are those not classified as federal or state restricted. Only general use pesticides are currently allowed for use in marijuana production in Washington State and WSDA has developed a list of pesticides that meet WSDA criteria for this use.
The definition of direct supervision is dependent on license type and the type of pesticide application, under RCW 17.21.020.
  • For private applicators, the certified applicator must be available if and when needed and does not have to be physically present for most uses.
  • For commercial applicators, the certified applicator must be physically present and always within eye and earshot of the unlicensed person whenever an application occurs. 
The Worker Protection Standard is a regulation intended to reduce the risks of illness or injury to workers and handlers resulting from occupational exposure to pesticides used in the production of agricultural plants. It requires agricultural employers and commercial pesticide handler employers to provide specific information and protections to workers, handlers, and other individuals when pesticides are used.

To learn more about WPS, visit the agency Worker Protection Standard webpage.