77% of California Cannabis Clones Found Contaminated with Pesticides

As California prepares for the full legalization of cannabis sales in January 2018, a significant issue has come to light: a staggering 77% of cannabis plant clones are contaminated with pesticides. This revelation comes from a recent report by Steep Hill, a prominent cannabis testing laboratory. The finding raises concerns as the state moves towards a regulated market, aiming to ensure consumer safety and product quality

Steep Hill's report follows an earlier warning from October, where the lab stated that 84% of Californian cannabis was unfit for human consumption. This prompted further investigation into the sources of contamination. Traditionally, contamination occurs through direct pesticide application, but the lab's findings suggest a more pervasive problem within the supply chain, specifically pointing to the clones themselves as a source of contamination

Jmîchaeĺe Keller, CEO of Steep Hill, explained that after the initial report, many growers claimed they did not use pesticides, relying solely on organic fertilizers. This feedback led Keller to suspect the problem might lie in the clones. To test this theory, Steep Hill purchased 124 clones from various producers around Los Angeles. The results were concerning: only 17 clones were free of pesticides, and merely 22% met California's pesticide limits

The report offers insight into potential sources of contamination, suggesting that the substrates used for growing might be the culprits rather than the direct application of pesticides. The presence of systemic pesticides like myclobutanil in the growing medium could lead to long-term contamination if the medium remains in contact with the plant's roots. This highlights the need for stricter controls and monitoring of all components involved in cannabis cultivation

As California's cannabis industry stands on the brink of significant expansion, these findings underscore the challenges of ensuring a safe and compliant product. The contamination issue could have far-reaching implications for consumer trust and the industry's reputation. Regulatory bodies may need to implement more rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure that products entering the market are safe for consumption

Looking ahead, the industry must address these contamination issues to maintain consumer confidence and meet regulatory standards. This will likely involve increased scrutiny of cultivation practices and the materials used in growing cannabis. As the state moves towards legalization, stakeholders will need to collaborate to establish a transparent and reliable supply chain that prioritizes consumer safety

Experts suggest that ongoing research and development in cultivation techniques could help mitigate these issues. By exploring alternative growing methods and substrates, the industry can reduce reliance on potentially harmful chemicals. As California's cannabis market evolves, continuous innovation and adaptation will be crucial to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a thriving, sustainable industry