Required Marijuana Testing Causing Delays at Washington Crime Labs

Changes in marijuana laws in Washington have affected operations at state crime labs, which still must process the drug for cases involving juveniles and impaired drivers.

The supervisor of the State Patrol crime lab in Kennewick, Jason Stenzel, told KEPR that before legalization marijuana was identified with a simple chemical test and quick microscope look.

Under the new law, the lab has to determine whether suspected marijuana has a certain level of THC. The Kennewick lab can’t do that. The sample has to be sent to the lab in Spokane.

The new testing requirements have resulted in a case delay of three-to-four months and added cost of $400.