Recent reports have painted a bleak picture of California’s cannabis industry, with widespread concerns about pesticide contamination. However, industry experts like Tiffany Devitt have pointed out that these reports may not tell the whole story.
In her detailed response to The Times and WeedWeek’s investigation, Devitt argues that while pesticide contamination is a real issue, the scope and scale may have been exaggerated. She highlights that the LA Times only tested a small sample of products, many of which had already been flagged for contamination. According to her independent investigation, most cannabis products meet California’s stringent safety standards, with 84% of the over 200 products tested passing the state’s rigorous pesticide requirements.
At Autumn Brands, we take these findings seriously. As a leader in the industry, our mission is to provide customers with high-quality, safe, and sustainable cannabis products. We understand the responsibility of being a part of this growing industry and strive to set an example for others to follow.
For those who haven’t read these articles, here are the key takeaways and critical information you need to know.
Alarming Findings on Pesticide Residues in Cannabis Crops
The Times investigation revealed some disturbing findings. Vapes from popular brands like Stiiizy, West Coast Cure, Flavorade, Phat Panda, Phire, and Dime were found to have pesticide loads that surpassed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) risk thresholds. This led to immediate health problems, such as lung, eye, and throat irritation, rash, headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Long-term exposure through repeated use could pose even greater health risks for cannabis users.
However, even with these findings, Tiffany Devitt’s broader investigation offers a more optimistic view. While the LA Times reported that 25 of the 42 products tested exceeded pesticide limits, Devitt’s research, which examined a wider range of over 200 products, found that 84% passed California’s strict testing standards. This paints a more nuanced picture — yes, pesticide contamination is a problem, but it may not be as pervasive as the LA Times investigation suggests.
Regulatory Failures in California’s Cannabis Industry
Despite Devitt’s more encouraging findings, the Times investigation brought attention to significant regulatory gaps. The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has faced criticism for its slow enforcement and delayed recalls, which have allowed contaminated products to remain on store shelves. Since the state’s testing requirements haven’t been updated since 2018, they may not be keeping pace with current cultivation practices or the emergence of new, dangerous chemicals.
Devitt herself acknowledges that while California has some of the world’s most rigorous cannabis testing standards, enforcement is key. She advocates for quicker regulatory action to swiftly and efficiently remove unsafe products from the market.
Health Risks for Medical Marijuana Users
The stakes are especially high for medical marijuana users, who may face increased health risks from contaminated products. The Times investigation highlighted that repeated inhalation of pesticide residues through smoking or vaping is a direct route of exposure to the bloodstream, leading to potentially severe health problems. For those relying on cannabis to manage chronic conditions, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and other neurological disorders, this exposure can be especially harmful.
However, as Devitt points out, the majority of products on the market do meet safety standards, offering some reassurance to medical users. That said, both investigations underscore the need for continued improvements in testing to ensure that medical cannabis remains safe and effective.
Impact of Intensive Cultivation Practices
The drive for higher yields in the expanding legal cannabis market has led to the increased use of pesticides. Growers often resort to chemical solutions to protect their crops from infestations common in greenhouse environments. This, coupled with the demand for bulk oils to produce vape cartridges, has led to the sourcing of lower-quality cannabis, which is sometimes illegally grown and contaminated with toxic chemicals.
This practice compromises product safety and consumer trust in the legal cannabis market. Both the Times and Devitt agree that more robust cultivation practices are needed to protect public health.
Call for Industry-Wide Change
While the Times and WeedWeek investigations underscore the need for sweeping changes in the industry, Devitt suggests that the tools for reform are already available. She calls for the state to implement more rigorous enforcement measures, including random testing and increased transparency through public Certificates of Analysis (COAs). These steps, along with updated testing protocols to catch more dangerous pesticides and illegal THC products, are critical to ensure the safety of cannabis products.
Devitt’s investigation shows that California’s cannabis testing standards are among the strictest in the world, but it’s clear that more needs to be done to address the gaps in enforcement. At Autumn Brands, we remain committed to setting the standard for safe, sustainable, and high-quality cannabis products.
The revelations about pesticides in cannabis products serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing California’s cannabis industry. As the industry evolves, it’s imperative to adopt conscientious cultivation practices and enforce stringent regulations to ensure that cannabis products are safe for consumption. This will safeguard public health and uphold the integrity of the legal cannabis market.
Autumn Brands’ Commitment to Pesticide-Free Products
Amidst the growing concerns over pesticide use in the cannabis industry, Autumn Brands has taken a proactive approach to address this issue. Our Santa Barbara-based company has always maintained a commitment to producing high-quality, pesticide-free cannabis products. This is not only an obvious ethical choice but also a business decision that sets us apart.
A Holistic Approach to Cannabis Cultivation
The Autumn Brands family farm uses sustainable farming techniques, natural sunlight, and pesticide-free cultivation. This means setting an industry standard with 100% no-spray cannabis farming and a commitment to purity, rigorous testing, and hand trimming. This takes more time, effort, and attention, but keeping our flower pure is worth it.
Unlike many large-scale operations that resort to high levels of pesticide use to maximize yields, we embody a holistic approach to our cannabis cultivation in many ways:
- By creating a natural ecosystem, native California Ladybugs found their way into our greenhouses and have never left. The ladybugs and other predatory mites control pests and ensure that toxic pesticides never touch our plants. This integrated pest management approach not only protects the cannabis crops but also maintains the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem.
- Our spray-free, sun-grown practices reduce reliance on pesticides, protecting delicate ecosystems.
- We use a closed-loop watering system from our well, ensuring no water is wasted, and all organic waste is composted.
- Our packaging is consciously chosen so that it can either be reused or composted.
The Santa Barbara climate is perfect for year-round growing for optimal plant health. Tucked between the ocean and the mountains, our family farm produces some of the purest flower in the United States. Our genetics are carefully selected to ensure strength, viability, and consistency in our coastal and balanced ecosystem.
Moreover, growing cannabis in a greenhouse is significantly more cost-effective and sustainably focused than indoor grows but still provides all the same environmental control and reliability benefits. Like outdoor grows, greenhouses can harness the free power of sunlight, but we are able to harvest every week, ensuring we always have fresh flowers all year round.
Benefits of Conscientious Cannabis Cultivation
Our practices ensure a wealth of benefits:
- Reduction of Environmental Footprint: Sun-grown cultivation relies on natural sunlight, reducing carbon emissions and resource depletion.
- Protection of Public Health: By opting for spray-free cannabis, consumers can mitigate exposure to harmful chemicals and prioritize their well-being.
- Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture: Greenhouse-grown cannabis embodies sustainable agriculture principles, promoting conservation and ecosystem resilience.
- Connection to the Land and Community: Cultivating cannabis gives a connection to the land and local community.
Our family farm started in Holland over a century ago and still upholds these values as our operation continues to serve our California consumers.
Transparency and Accountability
In an industry where transparency is often lacking, we shine with its commitment to openness and accountability. We believe that cannabis consumers have a right to know exactly what they are consuming. This is why we go to great lengths to provide detailed information about our cultivation practices and product testing.
Every Autumn Brands product comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from state-certified labs, verifying that it is free from pesticide residues, heavy metals, and other contaminants. These COAs are readily available to consumers, ensuring there is no room for doubt about the safety and quality of the products. This level of transparency builds trust and reassures our cannabis community that they are making informed choices.
Empowering Women, Elevating Cannabis
Autumn Brands is also distinguished by its strong commitment to empowering women in the cannabis industry. Co-founded by Autumn Shelton and Hanna Brand, the company actively promotes gender equality and provides opportunities for women to thrive in various roles within the organization. This dedication to empowerment extends beyond the company’s workforce, as it advocates for policies that support female entrepreneurs and leaders in the broader cannabis community.
A Commitment to Community and Wellness
Autumn Brands is deeply rooted in its community and prioritizes wellness in all its endeavors. We engage in community outreach programs and support local initiatives that promote health and sustainability. By participating in and sponsoring events that educate the public about the benefits of clean cannabis, they foster a culture of well-being and responsible consumption.
Moreover, Autumn Brands products are designed with the consumer’s wellness in mind. Our range includes high-quality flowers, pre-rolls and wellness topicals, tinctures and edibles products crafted to deliver a pure and enjoyable experience without the health risks associated with pesticide contamination.
Autumn Brands is the Change We Need in Weed
The revelations of widespread pesticide use in California’s cannabis products underscore the urgent need for industry-wide change. Regulatory bodies must enforce stricter testing and accountability measures to ensure that all cannabis products on the market are safe for consumption. Autumn Brands’ sustainable, transparent, and ethical cultivation model provides a blueprint for how the cannabis industry can evolve to meet these challenges.
Autumn Brands is a paragon of what the cannabis industry can achieve when it prioritizes health, sustainability, and transparency. As the cannabis market continues to grow, more brands must adopt the conscientious practices exemplified by our brand. This will ensure that the promise of safe, legal cannabis in California is fully realized, benefiting both the industry and its consumers.
FAQ
Do they use pesticides in weed?
Yes, pesticides are often used in cannabis cultivation to control pests and diseases. Both legal and illegal growers may use pesticides, though legal growers are subject to regulatory limits on which pesticides can be used and in what quantities.
What is in pesticides that are harmful?
Pesticides may contain various chemicals that can be harmful, including organophosphates and carbamates, which can affect the nervous system, and others like pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, which can irritate the skin and eyes and affect the respiratory system.
What are the most common pesticides in cannabis?
Common pesticides found in cannabis include myclobutanil, which produces toxic fumes when heated, and neonicotinoids, which are linked to reproductive and neurological damage.
What do smoking pesticides do to your lungs?
Smoking pesticides can cause immediate irritation to the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure can lead to more severe respiratory issues and other health problems.
How do pesticides affect the human body?
Pesticides can affect the human body in various ways, depending on the type of chemical. They can cause neurological issues, respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, and even more severe long-term health problems like cancer and endocrine disruption.
What are side effects of pesticides?
Side effects of exposure to pesticides can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and, in severe cases, long-term health issues such as cancer, hormonal imbalances, and neurological disorders.
How long does it take to get sick from pesticides?
The onset of symptoms from pesticide exposure can vary. Acute poisoning can occur within hours or days of exposure, while long-term health effects might not become apparent for months or years.
Do edibles have pesticides?
Edibles can contain pesticides if the cannabis used in their production was treated with pesticides. Pesticides can remain in the plant material and transfer into edibles during the extraction and cooking processes.
Do vape pens have pesticides?
Yes, vape pens can contain pesticides, especially if the cannabis oil used is sourced from plants treated with pesticides. Pesticides can be concentrated during the extraction process.
Do fake carts have pesticides? How do you know if a cart is contaminated?
Fake or counterfeit vape carts often contain higher levels of pesticides and other harmful substances. You can suspect a cart is contaminated if it has an unusual taste, causes harsh or painful sensations when inhaled, or if the packaging lacks proper labeling and safety information.
How do I make sure my cart is safe?
To ensure your vape cart is safe, purchase it from a reputable, licensed dispensary, check for a certificate of analysis (COA) that confirms it has been tested for pesticides and other contaminants, and ensure it has proper labeling.
Does outdoor weed have pesticides?
Outdoor weed can be exposed to pesticides through direct application or cross-contamination from nearby agricultural activities.
Is it normal for weed to smell like chemicals?
Weed should not have a strong chemical smell; this could indicate pesticide residue or improper cultivation practices. Natural cannabis has a more earthy, herbal scent.
Can you grow cannabis without pesticides?
Yes, cannabis can be grown without synthetic pesticides by using organic cultivation methods, beneficial insects, and natural repellents to manage pests and diseases.
What are the requirements for legal pesticide use in cannabis?
Legal requirements for pesticide use in cannabis vary by region but generally include restrictions on the types of pesticides allowed, maximum residue limits, and mandatory testing of final products to ensure safety.
What is the difference between a pesticide and an insecticide?
A pesticide is a broad term that includes any substance used to kill or control pests. An insecticide is a type of pesticide specifically designed to kill insects.
What is an example of a pesticide?
An example of a pesticide is glyphosate, commonly used to control weeds. Another example specific to cannabis could be pyrethrin, used to control insect pests.
What is Neem Oil?
Neem Oil is an extract from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), commonly used in agriculture to control pests. It is non-toxic, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is often used in cannabis cultivation.
Is Neem Oil safe for cannabis?
Although Neem Oil is deemed safe for food and ornamental crops by the EPA, its safety in cannabis remains debated since studies haven’t specifically included plants meant for smoking. Some users and researchers worry it may be linked to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, but the evidence is limited.
Why do some growers prefer using Neem Oil?
Many growers opt for Neem Oil as it’s a great natural pesticide that handles common agricultural pests without synthetic chemicals. This organic remedy aligns perfectly with the principles of sustainable farming.
Are there alternatives to Neem Oil for organic cannabis cultivation?
Yes, alternatives to Neem Oil include other organic pesticides like insecticidal soaps and diatomaceous earth or beneficial insects like ladybugs, which control pests without chemical inputs.