At Autumn Brands, we’re proud to set a new standard in sustainable cannabis farming. We prioritize environmental and consumer health by pioneering a 100% pesticide-free cultivation method in our Carpinteria greenhouses.
We’ve always been committed to growing clean cannabis without the use of chemicals or sprays, says our co-founder, Autumn Shelton.
“The majority of Americans want safe access to high-quality cannabis and products they can feel good about. Our premium flower is powered by natural sunlight and irrigated by recirculated artesian water, grown without pesticides and is 100% no-spray. We are very proud of this gold growing standard,” she says.
This anti-pesticide pledge is more important than ever since the LA Times recently released the groundbreaking investigation “The Dirty Little Secret of California’s Legal Weed” on June 14, 2024.
What’s the Story with Contaminated Cannabis?
The investigation into California’s cannabis industry revealed alarming findings regarding the presence of pesticides in supposedly “safe” products. Among the tested cannabis products, including popular vape cartridges and pre-rolled joints, 25 out of 42 exceeded state or federal pesticide limits. This revelation underscores the potential dangers posed to consumers by such products, as pesticides can introduce significant health risks.
In the article, Dr. Jeff Rabe, a former USC Chemistry professor and co-author of a study in The Journal of Toxicology, highlighted these risks, stating, “It’s like injecting that pesticide directly into your bloodstream, potentially causing damage to kidneys, liver, or other organs.”
In a press release, the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) said that inadequate enforcement against non-compliance jeopardizes market credibility and consumer well-being.
“California has some of the most stringent cannabis standards in the nation, designed to protect consumer safety and public health,” they said. “However, the state’s continued failure to enforce against those who fail to comply—both inside and outside of the regulated market—has put the credibility of the entire adult-use market in peril, and now threatens the very consumers we aim to serve.”
However, it’s crucial to note that this investigation does not represent the entire cannabis industry. Many reputable brands maintain rigorous safety standards and exceed regulatory requirements to ensure consumer protection.
“The actions of a few should not tarnish the efforts of those who are committed to compliance and consumer safety,” the CCIA said.
The challenges highlighted by the LA Times investigation have spurred calls for policy reforms to tackle the illicit market and non-compliant operators. Additionally, numerous conscientious operators across California are committed to upholding integrity and safety in the cannabis market.
We exemplify this commitment by pioneering 100% spray-free, clean cannabis cultivation practices, setting industry benchmarks for reliability and consumer trust.
Our Pesticide-Free Promise
Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara climate provides ideal conditions year-round, nurturing our family farm to produce some of the purest cannabis flower in the United States. We meticulously select genetics to ensure robustness, viability and consistent quality within our balanced ecosystem.
With nearly 247,000 square feet dedicated to sun-grown cannabis and 23,000 square feet for processing, we take a modern, artisanal approach to sustainable cultivation. We only make clean and potent cannabis products that uphold their commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.
Central to our pesticide-free cultivation is California’s native ladybug, a natural pest controller integral to their ecosystem. These ladybugs are welcome guests in our greenhouses, where they lay eggs, hatch into larvae and eat the pesky aphids that threaten our cannabis crops.
Head Grower Johnny Brand says that ladybugs have been a garden staple for many organic growers and now to the cannabis industry. After all, he says, their babies are complete savages when it comes to preying on common pests.
“Cannabis users don’t want their buds coated in a thick layer of pesticides,” he says. “I’m sure most of us would agree that spraying anything on cannabis can be harmful, at least in the long run. And with cannabis, you can’t ‘wash off’ pesticides like lettuce. That’s where our Autumn Brands’ native ‘ladies’ come to the rescue!”
Recognizable by their lack of spots, these native ladybugs play a crucial role in maintaining crop health without the need for harmful pesticides. Although occasional insects may appear during growth, our cultivation tea meticulously monitors and tends to the plants, ensuring only the highest quality, bug-free and pesticide-free cannabis reaches consumers.
These beneficial ladybugs, combined with optimal growing conditions—fertile soil, ample rainfall, and open coastal areas—produce the cleanest cannabis in California that you can trust to be as potent as it is pure.
Learn more about our unique pest control method in this video. Thanks to Juliet Lemar and the KSBY news team for their support.