April 22 is Earth Day, but to us at Autumn Brands, it’s more than just a date on the calendar: It’s a powerful reminder of why we grow the way we do. Our family-owned coastal Carpinteria farm is built on the foundations of caring for the environment, including growing clean cannabis with zero pesticides. This Earth Month, we’re showcasing one of the most charming and unexpected heroes of our zero-pesticide cultivation: California native ladybugs.
These remarkable insects are voracious eaters of aphids and mites — some of the most common pests in cannabis cultivation that can wreak havoc on crops. By feasting on these harmful bugs, our lovely ladybugs act as a natural defense system, protecting our plants and eliminating the need for chemical intervention. Let’s learn more about the California native ladybugs and what it means to see them in our greenhouses.
The presence of California native ladybugs, scientifically known as Cycloneda sanguinea, is even more special because they arrive organically, drawn to the healthy environment we’ve created. We don’t purchase these ladybugs, so it means our greenhouses are a naturally attractive habitat — a healthy, chemical-free space where biodiversity thrives. When the ladybugs find their way into our crop and establish a continuous population, it’s a win for pollinators and purity while reinforcing our sustainable cultivation practices.
These beneficial bugs represent a flourishing ecosystem and cannabis that’s cultivated in harmony with Mother Nature without the use of sprays or pesticides.
California native ladybugs are easy to spot (no pun intended) because, unlike other varieties of ladybugs, they have no spots, making them visually distinct and unique to our region. Most importantly, because they’re native to the State, they’re right at home with us.
While other cannabis growers may use synthetic or organic sprays labeled “safe,” our approach goes further: We use a zero-pesticide approach to the cannabis growing in our coastal greenhouses. That means no neem oil, no sulfur sprays and no insecticidal soaps. Even organic treatments can leave behind residues that can cause irritation or harm when combusted or inhaled.
Instead, our plants are protected through natural, chemical-free pest control and a carefully managed greenhouse environment. It’s a slower, more thoughtful approach, but results in cleaner cannabis, stronger plants and a better product for consumers.
Our commitment to zero-pesticide cultivation is rooted in our deep respect for both your health and the environment. Unlike other crops, cannabis cannot be washed to remove pesticide residues. When you smoke or vaporize cannabis, any chemicals present are inhaled directly into your lungs. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure our premium cannabis products are completely free of synthetic and organic pesticides.
We don’t just avoid harmful practices — we actively build regenerative ones. Our environmental practices go far beyond ladybug, with sustainability woven into every step of our cultivation process:
We’re proud to celebrate a cleaner way to grow on Earth Day — and every day. If you’re looking for cannabis that’s free from pesticides, grown responsibly, and powered by a farm that believes in doing things differently, you’re in the right place.
LIC. NO.:
CCL24-000883 CCL24-0000884 CCL24-0000885 CCL18-0000242 CCL18-0000244 CCL18-0001318 CCL21-00004879 CCL21-00004881 CCL18-0000243 CCL18-0000235 CCL24-0000886 CCL24-0000887 CCL24-0000891 CCL24-0000888 CCL24-0000889 CCL18-0002738 C11-0001789-LIC C11-0001978-LIC