Pesticides on Weed: Should You Be Concerned?

As more states legalize cannabis, more and more people are using it for various purposes. Whether they use it for medical or recreational reasons, weed is becoming increasingly popular.

One would think that buying cannabis from a dispensaries–stores that are regulated by the state and typically only sell cannabis–would be safer than buying it off the black market. And while dispensary products may be more reliable, there’s no guarantee they’re necessarily any safer.

Many people are concerned about the apparent lack of regulation in the cannabis industry after reports found that some dispensaries’ samples contained harmful chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. If there are no adequate safety measures, what was even the point of legalizing it?

Many people are concerned about the presence of pesticides in weed. Many assume that these chemicals are dangerous for human consumption and may be toxic. But is there any truth to this claim?

Pesticides in weed is unfortunately a common problem, but there are things you can do to mitigate it.

Are There Really Pesticides in Weed?

Many plants, including cannabis, can attract animals. The psychoactive component of the plant, THC, may have evolved as a predator deterrent. After all, any herbivore that accidentally munches on some marijuana is sure to steer clear in the future after experiencing a dizzying and unexpected high!

Cannabis, despite its unattractive nature to insects, is still insecticide-ridden. There are methods of keeping grows free of bugs without pesticides, but it’s easy for cultivators to rely on them. Insecticide use is banned in many areas where people ingest the product, but some cultivators use them anyway.

People who are against the legalization of cannabis often spread rumors about pesticides in weed because it would dissuade people from buying and using it. While there have been accurate reports of pesticide-laced marijuana, not all such stories are true.

In Canada, a report emerged recently confirming that various samples of cannabis contained illicit pesticides. Health Canada even verified these claims, revealing that the samples under examination contained bifenazate and myclobutanil residue. While the latter substance is allowed in trace amounts, it is never permitted on combustible products – i.e., dried cannabis buds meant for smoking. When heated through combustion (i.e., smoking), myclobutanil becomes more toxic than cyanide gas.

After this revelation, several Canadian provinces issued recalls on cannabis products. However, recalls are not enough – these products should never have been allowed on the market in the first place. Unfortunately, the pressure to produce more cannabis means that inexperienced growers are entering the industry, and regulators aren’t conducting adequate tests.

Many states, including Washington, only test for mold, fungi, and bugs in cannabis– not residual pesticides.

What Pesticides Are Commonly Used on Cannabis?

Although not all pesticides are dangerous to our health, it is still best to try and avoid them whenever possible.

The cannabis industry is plagued by the use of illegal pesticides, some of which are listed below:

• Myclobutanil
• Abamectin
• Etoxazole
• Imidacloprid
• Spiromesifen
• Azadirachtin

Azadirachtin, the final pesticide on this list, is often sold as safe due to it being derived from neem oil. Nevertheless, there have been complaints of illness from people consuming cannabis who had been exposed to this pesticide

The Dangers of Pesticides

People typically use cannabis smoking it or orally consuming it. Although smoking is the conventional way, if there are pesticides in your weed, you’re allowing them to go directly into your respiratory system. From there, they can enter circulation and eventually affect your cells and tissues.

Some people believe that cannabinoids are causing pesticides to hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This syndrome is an unpleasant experience that occurs after you use cannabis. The symptoms include nausea and vomiting, as well as abdominal pain. There may even be a link between CHS and azadirachtin.

So far, there is inconclusive evidence to suggest that CHS and pesticides are related. Although it’s a popular theory, more research needs to be done. That said, a study in the Journal of Toxicology titled Determination of Pesticide Residues in Cannabis Smoke has found that cannabis users may be exposed to high levels of pesticide residue – as much as 69.5%.

Avoiding pesticides is important for your health, and you should try to do so whenever possible. But how can you tell if weed has been treated with pesticides?

If you want to avoid consuming pesticides in your weed, read our tips below whether you’re a grower or buyer.

Natural Alternatives to Pesticides

Although it may seem bleak, all weed growers have natural alternatives to pesticides. Some easy growing techniques can be used to entirely avoid using pesticide products.

Growing Indoors

Pests are more challenging to control when they’re outdoors. If you grow your plants indoors, for example in a greenhouse, then it’s simpler to monitor the situation. And if you want an eco-friendly operation, take note of energy usage! Even so, greenhouses provide the best opportunity to manage pests.

However, if pests invade your greenhouse, then the entire crop is more likely to be destroyed.

Diatomaceous Earth

If you’re looking for a natural way to combat pests, adding diatomaceous earth to the top of your soil is an excellent solution. Diatomaceous earth is made up of fossilized materials and stone, so it’s completely safe for both you and your plants. Plus, it’s easy to use – just add an inch or two tp the top of your soil, and watch those pesky bugs disappear!

The sharp quality of the earth harms insects, shredding any wings. Furthermore, if any bugs manage to lay eggs, the diatomaceous earth dehydrates them and kills them. The tricky part is keeping it dry – diatomaceous earth doesn’t work when wet.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a popular natural insecticide for weed control. It is extracted from the seeds of the neem plant and can be easily sprayed on your crops whenever necessary. Neem oil is effective against many common pests, including aphids, grasshoppers, caterpillars, spider mites, and more!

Garlic

Did you know that garlic and pepper can also act as a powerful insect repellent? You can make this natural pesticide at home with minimal effort, and it’s affordable. The pungent odor deters bugs, while the capsaicin in peppers makes the plants unappetizing to insects. The more capsaicin, the more effective it is – so opt for a hot pepper variety.

In order to use this method, you need to cut the garlic and peppers into small pieces (around 250 grams each). Add them into a blender with one liter of water. Once you have done that, take the mixture and spray it onto one leaf. After waiting for 24 hours, check back in. If the mixture is too strong at this point, then it will damage your plants instead of helping them – which obviously isn’t ideal. Once you know that the mixture won’t hurt your plants, feel free to cover your crop entirely in it as protection from pests.

Spraying the plants at night allows you to target insects when they are most active.

Friendly Insects

Did you know that not all insects will ruin your crops? In fact, some can help! By introducing beneficial insects to your garden, the harmful bugswill be gone and your crop will besafer. Examples of these helpful creepy-crawlies include ladybugs, pirate bugs, and green lacewings. It’s like having a bouncer for your garden party!

Buying Tips: Make Sure Your Weed Is Always Pesticide-Free

Pesticide-free cannabis can be difficult for growers to obtain. Cannabis is not typically lab-tested for pesticides, making it nearly impossible to tell if it contains them or not. With any luck, this will change in the future.

The best way to get what you want is to simply ask for it. If more consumers demand transparency from cannabis producers, we will inevitably get it. Too often, we don’t speak up because we think our voice doesn’t matter– but it does! We have the power to change the weed industry by demanding better practices and quality control.

Until the industry changes, only buy from growers that provide lab reports to ensure product quality.

In states where medical cannabis is legal, consumers can grow their own weed; if pesticide use is a huge concern to you, consider growing your own cannabis – completely free of pesticides. Always check local laws and acquire the necessary documentation before taking any actions.

Final Thoughts

Weed that contains pesticides is a cause for concern, as is the use of banned substances. Although legalization is a step forward for cannabis enthusiasts, pesticide use is not something that users should accept.

Thankfully, some growers are using organic practices. The only way to tell if their claims of organic growing are true is by reading lab reports. Therefore, consumers must demand transparency from these companies in the future.

It’s a relief to know that there are natural alternatives to pesticides, and perhaps in the future, pesticide-free cannabis will be more widely available.