(Beyond Pesticides, July 9, 2024) Last month, California cannabis regulators recalled a pesticide-tainted vape, one of many contaminated products identified in a Los Angeles Times investigation. The investigation revealed that the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has been aware for months of the presence of dangerous chemicals in legal cannabis sold to the public. The investigation by Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek, a cannabis industry newsletter, has uncovered alarming levels of the insecticide chlorfenapyr in legal cannabis products sold in California dispensaries. According to a journal article via the National Institutes of Health, “Although [chlorfenapyr] has been identified as a moderately toxic pesticide by the World Health Organization (WHO), the mortality rate of poisoned patients is extremely high. There is no specific antidote for chlorfenapyr poisoning.” The chemical is associated with adverse liver effects and is toxic to bees, birds, and aquatic organisms.

Despite claims that the state’s cannabis is safe and regulated, many popular brands of vapes and pre-rolled joints were found to contain dangerous pesticides at levels exceeding state limits and federal standards for tobacco. This investigation comes on the heels of the discovery of large amounts of illegal Chinese pesticides at cannabis grow operations around the state. The findings are the latest in a series of reports about high rates of pesticides and other chemicals found in cannabis around the country. (See here and here for prior Beyond Pesticides reporting). With an estimated five million Californians consuming legal cannabis products monthly, the potential health consequences are extreme.

One Recall—Extensive Pesticide Contamination and Testing Laboratory Failures

The integrity of California’s cannabis laboratory testing has come under scrutiny, as has the certifying company, Verity Analytics, which has since had its license suspended. The recalled product was among many tested by Infinite Chemical Analysis last fall and found to contain pesticide levels above state limits, despite having been previously certified as safe by other labs. Infinite Chemical Analysis lodged a complaint with the state in November 2023, noting that the now-recalled product contained paclobutrazol (a plant growth retardant and fungicide) and trifloxystrobin (a fungicide), chemicals found at levels deemed unsafe by California standards. Paclobutrazol is associated with genetic mutation and reproductive toxicity, is very toxic to aquatic life, and is a potential endocrine disruptor. Trifloxystrobin is toxic and associated with negative reproductive, birth, and developmental effects, as well as kidney and liver damage.

A significant issue within the California cannabis industry is the integrity of laboratory testing and its impact on regulatory oversight. Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs and Anresco Laboratories, testing labs for the cannabis industry filed a lawsuit on June 26 against 13 other laboratories for issuing false certificates of analysis (COAs). According to the complaint, this practice, known as “lab shopping,” involves cannabis producers selecting laboratories that are willing to overlook regulatory compliance, including: “fraudulent testing practices at the heart of this complaint involve the deliberate manipulation of testing results …to hide dangerous contaminants in the products. This manipulation is not a result of mere negligence or error but is a calculated effort to misrepresent the actual makeup of cannabis products. Such practices are alarmingly widespread.”

Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek Investigation

To conduct the recent study, the Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek purchased cannabis products from licensed dispensaries across California, using two accredited labs—Anresco Laboratories and SC Labs—to screen the samples for over 100 pesticides, more than the 66 chemicals required by the state. Many samples were tested by both labs, with some undergoing repeat testing. In total, 66 tests were conducted across 42 products. Results from a state agriculture lab showed 16 additional pesticides present that the private labs were not equipped to measure, suggesting contamination may be even more widespread than uncovered

Out of 42 legal cannabis products tested, 25 show pesticide concentrations above allowed levels, and contaminants include chemicals linked to cancer, liver failure, thyroid disease, and neurological harm. Vapes from five well-known brands had pesticide levels exceeding federal thresholds for harm from a single exposure. Some products contained as many as two dozen different pesticides. The findings corroborate complaints filed by other private cannabis testing labs over the past eight months, suggesting contamination in over 250,000 vapes and pre-roll packages currently on store shelves. While most pesticides found were in low concentrations, some products had over 20 different pesticides; some levels exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) threshold for human health risk from a single exposure. The investigation identified 45 toxic chemicals in the products tested, with 29 products exceeding either state limits for cannabis or federal tobacco standards.

For example, chlorfenapyr—an insecticide not permitted on any food products or on California cannabis—was discovered at over two thousand times a base limit of .03 part per million used to calculate exceedances for pesticides prohibited upon detection. Pymetrozine—an insecticide prohibited in the European Union, Canada, and Norway as a known reproductive toxicant and carcinogen—was found at levels 762 times the reference base level. Notably, pymetrozine is not one of the 66 pesticides that undergo residue screening in California. In fact, ten of the 29 chemicals found to exceed the permitted limit are not included on California’s list of required testing, so even if testing is performed correctly, these chemicals would not be identified. As a result, these products would then pass the certification process.

California Pesticide Residue Tolerances

California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (CA DPR) website and regulations state a pesticide product can be used on cannabis only if its active ingredient is exempt from federal residue tolerance requirements and either exempt from federal registration requirements or registered for a use that is broad enough to include use on cannabis plants. However, California has acknowledged the reality of pesticide use on cannabis, including potential overspray from neighboring farms and contamination of ingredients in cannabis edibles. As a result, the state has imposed limits on some pesticide residues in cannabis products instead of outright bans. As mentioned above, California has developed a list of 66 pesticides for screening by state-certified third-party labs. Twenty-one are Category I pesticides, banned for cannabis use due to their significant risks.

The identified concern in the text is the presence of illegal Chinese pesticides in various grow operations, both legal and illegal, around the state. – Some of the chemicals found in these pesticides are otherwise unknown in California
– Law enforcement agencies are requiring officers to wear personal protective gear in affected areas
– Regulators are not testing for many dangerous chemicals used in cultivation
– There is no routine testing of products on store shelves
– California DCC intends to step up testing and enforcement
– Cannabis companies found to be contaminated claim no knowledge of how it occurred
– Calls for stronger oversight and updated regulations
– Advocacy for an organic systems approach to cannabis production
– Lawsuit alleging deliberate manipulation of testing results
– Concerns about consumer safety and lack of awareness regarding contamination risks
– Advocacy for independent state lab to verify test results
– Push for organic standards in cannabis production to protect consumers
– Resources available for information on pesticide exposure and emergencies. the list are:

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3. A potential partnership opportunity
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5. A customer feedback survey : The identified individual is a suspect in the robbery case.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Pesticide Contaminated Cannabis California
2. Regulatory Failures Cannabis Testing California

The recent investigation by Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek has uncovered alarming levels of the insecticide chlorfenapyr in legal cannabis products sold in California dispensaries, posing severe health risks to consumers. Despite claims of safety and regulation, many popular cannabis brands were found to contain dangerous pesticides at levels exceeding state limits and federal standards for tobacco. The integrity of California’s cannabis laboratory testing has been called into question, with allegations of false certificates of analysis and deliberate manipulation of testing results to hide contaminants. The investigation identified 45 toxic chemicals in the products tested, with 29 exceeding either state limits for cannabis or federal tobacco standards. The detection of prohibited pesticides in cannabis leads to failed tests. Among the 45 Category II pesticides allowed for use, controlled residue levels must be maintained for ingestible and inhalable products. State toxicologists referenced EPA guidelines for ingestible products, while French agency CORESTA values were used for inhalable products due to a lack of toxicity data. The absence of federal oversight on pesticide use in cannabis cultivation raises concerns about health risks, especially for medical users. Pesticide contamination can have long-term effects, including neurological damage and an increased risk of various diseases. Vaping, a popular method of consumption, poses additional risks due to the direct delivery of toxic chemicals to the lungs and bloodstream. Contaminated vape products have been linked to severe lung injuries and deaths. Regulatory failures have allowed the presence of illegal Chinese pesticides in cannabis products, further endangering consumer health. A recent investigation has revealed that many pesticides used in California’s cannabis industry are unknown in the state, posing a serious health threat. Law enforcement officers are required to wear protective gear due to the toxicity of these chemicals, but the public remains unprotected. Regulators have failed to update testing requirements, leaving consumers at risk. Private labs have flagged numerous contaminated products, leading to recalls, but the response has been slow. Industry experts are calling for stronger oversight and regulations to ensure consumer safety. Advocates recommend an organic approach to cannabis production to prevent further contamination issues. Learn more about the impact of pesticide residues on health and how to protect yourself. This summary will explore the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) in digital marketing. SEO is crucial for improving a website’s visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). By optimizing content with relevant keywords, meta tags, and quality backlinks, businesses can attract more organic traffic and potential customers. This leads to increased brand awareness, credibility, and ultimately, higher conversion rates. SEO also helps websites stay competitive in the ever-evolving online landscape. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to drive targeted traffic and grow a business’s online presence. Invest in SEO to maximize your digital marketing efforts and achieve long-term success.

The use of illegal pesticides poses a significant threat to public health, especially in the rapidly growing cannabis industry. Recent findings have revealed that many cannabis products contain harmful pesticides that can have serious long-term health consequences. The state of California has established limits for pesticide residue levels in cannabis products, but the enforcement of these regulations has been challenging due to the lack of federal oversight in cannabis cultivation.

Of the 50 pesticides tested for in cannabis products, five are classified as Category I pesticides, meaning any detection of these results in a failed test. The remaining 45 are Category II pesticides, which can be used under certain conditions if residue levels remain below prescribed limits. However, some of these pesticides, such as bifenthrin and acephate, have been linked to serious health risks, including carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects.

State toxicologists have used pesticide reference doses from the EPA for ingestible products, ensuring that limits account for potential contamination of all ingredients. For inhalable products, due to a lack of toxicity data, California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation has used values from the French agency CORESTA. However, these levels do not incorporate toxicological considerations specific to smoked or vaped cannabis, raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in these products.

Beyond Pesticides, an environmental advocacy organization, has called for a precautionary approach to pesticide use in cannabis cultivation. With the federal government classifying cannabis as a Schedule 1 narcotic and not a legal agricultural crop under relevant federal law, the EPA has not evaluated the safety of any pesticide on cannabis plants. This lack of federal oversight has created a regulatory gap that state regulators must address by enforcing organic cultivation practices that prohibit synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

The health risks associated with pesticide-contaminated cannabis products are significant, especially for medical users seeking relief from health conditions. Pesticides can interfere with the detoxification of cannabinoids and pharmaceuticals, potentially leading to developmental risks and long-term health effects. Additionally, vaping cannabis products contaminated with pesticides poses unique risks, as these chemicals can be directly delivered to the lungs, bloodstream, and brain, increasing the likelihood of adverse health effects.

The illegal use of Chinese pesticides in cannabis cultivation further exacerbates the issue of pesticide contamination in cannabis products. The presence of toxic chemicals, such as myclobutanil, fipronil, and permethrin, in unregulated vaping products highlights the need for stricter regulatory oversight to protect public health. The recent surge in EVALI cases associated with vaping products underscores the urgent need for comprehensive testing and regulation of cannabis products to ensure consumer safety.

In conclusion, the detection of harmful pesticides in cannabis products poses a significant threat to public health, especially in light of the growing popularity of vaping products. State regulators must take decisive action to enforce organic cultivation practices and eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides in cannabis cultivation. By prioritizing consumer safety and public health, regulators can ensure that cannabis products meet stringent quality standards and protect consumers from the potential health risks associated with pesticide contamination. District Court, Central District of California, June 23, 2024

As the cannabis industry in California continues to grow, concerns over pesticide contamination have been raised by various reports and investigations. Some of the chemicals found in these pesticides are otherwise unknown in California, and the state’s labs lack the proper equipment to test for them. Moreover, many of these chemicals are so toxic that a single exposure could be fatal. This poses a significant threat to both consumers and workers in the industry.

Law enforcement agencies at both the state and local levels have started requiring their officers to wear personal protective gear when working in locations where these pesticides are present. They are also undergoing routine blood analysis for pesticides to ensure their safety. However, the state has not extended the same level of warnings and protection to the public, leaving consumers at risk of exposure to these dangerous chemicals.

A recent report by the Los Angeles Times highlighted the failure of California regulators to address evidence of widespread contamination in the cannabis industry. Despite at least 85 complaints from private labs, the state’s pesticide testing requirements have not been updated since 2018. Regulators are not testing for many dangerous chemicals currently used in cultivation, some of which must be smuggled in because they are illegal in the United States.

In response to these findings, California DCC has announced its intention to step up testing and enforcement in the industry. The agency will use both voluntary and mandatory recalls when a product is deemed unsafe for consumption. However, advocates are concerned that these actions may not be enough to protect consumers from pesticide contamination.

A recent lawsuit filed by Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs and Anresco Laboratories alleges deliberate manipulation of testing results by cannabis companies. This widespread fraudulent activity highlights a significant failure in regulatory oversight, which has been insufficient in detecting or deterring these practices. Consumers rely on these test results to make informed decisions about the products they purchase, and misleading labels can put them at risk of exposure to dangerous contaminants.

Industry experts and advocates are calling for stronger oversight and updated regulations to address the issue of pesticide contamination in the cannabis industry. They recommend expanding the list of prohibited pesticides, implementing routine testing of products on store shelves, and establishing an independent state lab to verify test results. These measures are crucial to protecting consumers and workers in the industry.

As concerns over pesticide contamination in the cannabis industry continue to grow, it is essential for regulators to take decisive action to ensure the safety of consumers and workers. By implementing stronger oversight and regulations, the state can address the threat posed by these toxic chemicals and protect the health of those involved in the industry.

**District Court Central District of California: Pesticide Contaminated Cannabis Raises Regulatory Concerns**

In recent news, the cannabis industry in California has been rocked by a series of revelations regarding pesticide contamination in cannabis products. Reports from various sources have highlighted the presence of illegal Chinese pesticides in cannabis vape products, sparking concerns about the safety of these products for consumers. The District Court Central District of California has become a focal point for legal action and regulatory scrutiny in response to these alarming developments.

**Legal Action Against Pesticide Contamination**

The District Court Central District of California has seen a surge in legal action related to pesticide-contaminated cannabis products. Industry leaders and consumer advocacy groups have called for swift action to address the issue and hold responsible parties accountable for endangering public health. The court has been inundated with lawsuits seeking damages for consumers who have been harmed by exposure to these toxic substances.

**Regulatory Concerns and Oversight**

The revelations of pesticide contamination in cannabis products have raised serious concerns about regulatory oversight in the industry. The District Court Central District of California has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen regulations and ensure the safety of cannabis products for consumers. Regulatory agencies are under pressure to step up enforcement actions and implement stricter testing protocols to prevent future incidents of contamination.

**Public Health Implications**

The presence of illegal pesticides in cannabis products poses significant risks to public health. Exposure to these toxic substances can have serious implications for consumers, including respiratory problems, neurological issues, and other health concerns. The District Court Central District of California is working to address these public health risks and protect the well-being of the community.

**Industry Response and Advocacy**

In response to the crisis of pesticide contamination, industry leaders and advocacy groups are pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the cannabis industry. Calls for organic cannabis production have gained traction, with stakeholders urging growers to adopt sustainable and safe farming practices. The District Court Central District of California is closely monitoring these developments and engaging with industry stakeholders to promote a safer, more responsible cannabis market.

**Looking Ahead**

As the District Court Central District of California grapples with the fallout from pesticide-contaminated cannabis products, the focus remains on protecting public health and ensuring the integrity of the cannabis industry. Legal action, regulatory oversight, and industry advocacy efforts are all playing a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by pesticide contamination. The court’s commitment to upholding consumer safety and promoting responsible business practices will be instrumental in shaping the future of the cannabis industry in California. the latest trends in sustainable fashion.

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