Pesticides

Pesticides present a unique challenge to the cannabis industry. There are dozens of industrial pesticides on the market, but there are no federal guidelines for use on cannabis, although there are now a limited number registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for federally legal hemp.

With each state setting its own limits on pesticides, growers and testing labs alike have to be ready to meet the standards. And the stakes are high: Pesticides are hazardous to human health, and going over a pesticide action level can result in the destruction of an entire harvest. Additionally, the extraction process may raise levels of pesticide compounds in the final product, similar to the ways in which heavy metals become concentrated after processing. So even if the plant material used for extraction had been tested and approved, the final extract can still have levels of pesticides higher than acceptable limits.

Our unique pesticide panel covers 67 compounds:

Learn more about the harmful effects of some of these pesticides below.

Types of Pesticides

There are a wide variety of chemicals used as pesticides, each with its own benefits and hazards. States typically require cannabis to be tested for about 60 different pesticides, but standards can vary greatly. New Jersey currently does not allow the use of any pesticides on cannabis. A few pesticides are described below.

Acephate

Mainly used for controlling aphids. While it is relatively safe for human exposure, it produces toxic fumes when burned, making it a potential concern for smokers.

Chlorpyrifos

Used on crops to kill insects and worms. Human exposure is linked to developmental and autoimmune disorders.

Fipronil

The main ingredient in many flea control products for pets. Its effectiveness against a wide range of insects also makes it useful for crops. Ingestion by humans can cause nausea, vomiting, agitation, and other symptoms, and the EPA has classified it as a possible carcinogen.

Malathion

The most common organophosphate insecticide in the US, widely used for crops and public pest control. Although it has low toxicity, it has a possible link to ADHD in children.

Naled

Primarily used for mosquito control. Naled gained public awareness in 2015 and 2016, when the CDC recommended aerial spraying to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. It is not a carcinogen and not dangerous to humans at low exposures. However, repeated exposure in pregnant women can lead to developmental problems.