Pesticide
Screening

The recent glyphosate (Monsanto) ruling is backed by several scientific studies, which indicate that this herbicide may increase the risk of cancer, with particular links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Other research suggests that glyphosate may also be an endocrine disruptor with links to liver disease, birth defects, reproductive issues, and gut health concerns.

Regarding paraquat, this supplementary herbicide has been shown to be highly toxic by inhalation and moderately toxic when ingested, with research linked to Parkinson’s disease, cancer and lung diseases. Diquat, on the other hand, is lower in toxicity, but may be a moderate to severe eye irritant when applied topically. The bottom line is that the presence of any of these herbicides in cannabis flower, oils or edibles may compromise your brand and put your customer’s health at risk.

Regarding marijuana, currently there are no federal standards related to pesticide use or testing because it is still federally banned. Hemp, however, is now legal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reviewing 10 pesticide applications for use in hemp, with active ingredients the EPA previously determined safe under “any reasonably foreseeable circumstances.” None of the applications contain glyphosate, paraquat or diquat–however, that may change in the coming year.