Study found that 92% of illegal cannabis samples contained pesticides

A recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found shocking evidence of the presence of pesticides in both illegal and legal cannabis from Canada.

In “High Levels of Pesticides in Illegal Cannabis Inflorescences Versus Licensed Samples in a Canadian Study Using the Extended 327 Pesticide Multi-Residue Method,” researchers compared 36 cannabis samples from licensed dispensaries and 24 from illicit stores (seized and filed by law enforcement). ). Health Canada and lab tested in 2021).

Researchers examined the samples for traces of 327 different pesticides and found that many of the illegal cannabis samples contained harmful chemicals. “Pesticides were detected in 92% of samples of illegal cannabis buds in Canada, with 23 unique pesticide compounds quantified,” the study explains. “Four pesticides and synergists: myclobutanil, paclobutrazol, piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins were detected eight to 17 times in a total of 24 illegal samples with high sample frequency.”

They also found that while an illegal sample contained nine pesticide ingredients, the illegal samples contained an average of 3.7 different pesticides, with 87% containing more than one pesticide.

The researchers provided a table showing which pesticides were found in the licensed and illegal samples. Only 6% of the approved samples tested positive for pesticides, including only dichlobenil and myclobutanil.

Researchers discussed that the primary goal of their study was to “streamline and expand our existing cannabis inflorescence methodology.” The process involved homogenizing the cannabis bud in a lab blender, combining it with a solvent called acetonitrile, and then extracting it with a device called the Geno-Grinder, centrifuging, and more to get a bud sample in a vial for testing. “This study demonstrates a new, optimized and expanded method for the detection of 327 pesticides in the cannabis bud using gas chromatography – triple-quadruple mass spectroscopy and liquid chromatography – triple-quadruple mass spectroscopy.”

Ultimately, they found that studies of this type were not yet common. “To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the only comprehensive pesticide multiresidue analysis comparing pesticides in the licensed and illicit cannabis markets in a nationwide jurisdiction where cannabis has been legalized,” the study concluded. “Although this is a small study, our results support the Canadian government’s claim that consumption of illegal products could lead to side effects and other serious harm. Tests of illicit cannabis found contaminants such as pesticides and unacceptable levels of bacteria, lead and arsenic.’”

The stark disparities between the safety of legal cannabis products and the dangers of illegal cannabis in this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the Canadian cannabis industry.

Back in October 2019, a nonprofit organization called Beyond Pesticides sent a letter to Congress urging representatives to protect the public from harmful pesticides in cannabis. “The use of pesticides on marijuana is illegal. Because marijuana is not a legal agricultural crop under relevant federal laws (Federal Insecticides, Fungicides, and Rodenticides Act) and hemp was only recently legalized, the EPA has not evaluated the safety of pesticides on marijuana plants. The EPA has not established any permits for the use of pesticides in cannabis production and has not established any tolerances or exceptions to tolerances for pesticide residues on cannabis,” wrote Beyond Pesticides. “Because there are no federal regulations governing pesticides in cannabis production, the use of pesticides that are not registered by the EPA is illegal.”

Beyond Pesticides also published a recent article on the past and modern pesticide problems in cannabis and recommended states take a preventive approach to protect consumers. “Given the lack of federal testing for the effects of pesticides on cannabis consumers, producers, and the environment, states should establish rules for sustainable production practices that protect public health and the environment,” the organization said. “Beyond Pesticides recommends a systems-level approach to cannabis production that mandates compliance with national organic standards.”

As early as September 2019, 1,000 people fell ill and 18 people died from a then-mysterious e-cigarette disease. Finally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that vitamin E acetate in e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products is the cause of what leads to lung damage (e-cigarette or e-cigarette product use ) leads. Although vitamin E acetate is considered safe when taken orally or topically, inhaling it can cover the lungs and cause breathing difficulties, among other things. The events of this crisis have significantly increased awareness of the ingredients in inhalation products (both cannabis and non-cannabis related products).

Cannabis products have also been recalled earlier due to serious mold infestation. In November 2022, Colorado regulators issued a Contaminated Product Lot Safety Advisory. Earlier this January, the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board issued a public safety notice regarding the use of an unapproved pesticide called ethephon in cannabis products. The affected products included an estimated 117 edibles, 41 pre-rolls and more than 200 concentrates sold in 104 dispensaries.

Earlier this February, Vermont lawmakers announced a recall for cannabis grown with Eagle 20, which had reportedly caused headaches and nausea among consumers.

As pesticide policy evolves, these examples underscore the importance of education about pesticides and other substances used in the cultivation or production of cannabis products. It is always a safe bet to obtain an analytical certification from a cannabis company or company to confirm that your product has been properly tested.