California's cannabis industry is under intense scrutiny after an investigation found significant pesticide contamination in products sold in dispensaries across the state. An LA Times/Weedweek investigation published last week found high levels of pesticides in a variety of cannabis products, including some popular brands of vapes and pre-rolled joints.
The study tested 42 legal cannabis products sold in retail stores and found 25 products contained levels of pesticides that exceed state or federal tobacco safety standards. . These pesticides contain chemicals linked to cancer, liver failure, thyroid disease, and other serious health problems.
Notably, several name brand e-cigarettes exceed the federal EPA's risk threshold for harm from a single exposure, posing immediate risks such as lung and throat irritation, headaches, and abdominal pain. Some products contained as many as 20 different pesticides, and repeated use posed long-term health concerns.
The brands referenced in the study are:
Stiiizy West Coast Cure Flavorade Phat Panda Phire Dime Backpack Boyz Grizzly Peak Farms Cru Mai Tai Fog City Farms David Shin's Van Nuys Manufacturer Maven Industries
The contamination findings reflect numerous complaints filed by two private cannabis testing agencies over the past eight months, suggesting widespread contamination on more than 250,000 e-cigarettes and pre-roll joints. are.
So why are brands cutting corners? The pursuit of profit in a growing legal market has led to intensive cultivation practices that require the use of pesticides to protect crops from pests. The popularity of e-cigarettes has further exacerbated the problem, and bulk oil is often made from low-quality cannabis, sometimes grown illegally and sold on the legal market. The additional financial hardships associated with operating in a market where tax breaks are prohibited may also cause brands to choose to protect their investments over consumers.
California regulators have done little to address this pollution. The state's cannabis testing requirements have not been updated to account for new potentially dangerous chemicals used in cultivation. Despite receiving at least 85 contamination complaints since last fall, the Bureau of Cannabis Control has taken minimal action. The agency recently warned of future product embargoes, recalls, and disciplinary actions, but delays in addressing these issues are already compromising consumer safety.
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