A closer look at positive pesticides tests and the complications of cleaning the supply chain.
Introduction: The Spotlight on Pesticides
The Los Angeles Times recently revealed troubling findings about pesticide contamination in California’s cannabis market. The report highlighted the presence of unregulated pesticides in more than half of tested vaping products, raising concerns about consumer safety, regulatory oversight, and the cost of compliance in an already heavily taxed industry.
To better understand the complexities, I reached out to Derek, a chemist, cannabis industry veteran, and consultant for Pac Garden Assets. Our discussion provided valuable insights into the nuances of testing, combustion risks, and potential solutions for the cannabis supply chain. These perspectives illuminate both the challenges facing the industry and the path forward.
Cannabis Testing: Scrutinized to an Extreme Degree
Cannabis faces stricter scrutiny than most other industries, including food, supplements, and possibly even pharmaceuticals. Derek emphasized, “Your observation about the cannabis industry being regulated heavier than the food industry is valid.” While this level of oversight aims to protect public safety, it also creates significant hurdles for growers and manufacturers.
Unlike most agricultural products, cannabis must be tested for contaminants not only during cultivation–but also for byproducts created during combustion. “Once you combust any compound, it will start to degrade into other forms that could be dangerous,” Derek explained. This includes many naturally occurring compounds in cannabis, which could become carcinogenic when burned.
However, Derek noted that cannabis edibles, much like foods in the grocery supply chain that may contain trace amounts of safe-for-ingestion pesticides, are generally safer – highlighting the appeal of non-combustible cannabis products.
The Concentration Effect: A Hidden Challenge in Extraction
One of the least-discussed challenges in cannabis testing is the concentration effect that occurs during the extraction process. Derek explained, “If you start with 100 pounds of raw cannabis material, often trim taken from whole flower, that passed testing, it may be deemed clean. However, during extraction, the resulting 5 pounds of concentrate—yielding a 20x concentration—can also concentrate any trace pesticides present in the original material.”
This means that cannabis flowers and trim meeting state safety thresholds before extraction can still produce concentrates with elevated pesticide levels, posing risks further down the supply chain. This underscores the critical need for stringent oversight, advanced testing, and enhanced post-processing solutions to ensure consumer safety, particularly for concentrates used in vaping products.
For businesses aiming to address these challenges, properties like the Monterey processing and cultivation facility offer state-of-the-art infrastructure to implement advanced processing systems. Additionally, San Diego cannabis greenhouse opportunities provide a highly controlled cultivation environment to produce clean cannabis.
Consumer Safety and Industry Responsibility
The LA Times report raised concerns about potential malpractice, but Derek believes the issue stems more from systemic practices than deliberate wrongdoing. “I don’t think the cannabis industry is ‘sneaking’ in compounds to get around the current regulations,” he noted. Instead, many of the pesticides and fungicides used in cannabis are inherited from big agriculture practices.
Even after growers flush their plants during cultivation, trace amounts of certain substances can remain. This highlights the need for better regulatory guidance and efficient post-processing solutions. For consumers, seeking trusted brands committed to transparency and clean practices is key. Retail locations like our LA flagship cannabis dispensary are leading the way in providing high-quality, safe products that consumers can rely on.
Conclusion: A Call for Collaboration and Innovation
The pesticide issue in California’s cannabis industry highlights the need for collaboration between regulators, businesses, and scientists. While the challenges are significant, they present an opportunity to innovate, rebuild trust, and elevate the cannabis supply chain.
At Pac Garden Consulting, we are committed to helping cannabis businesses navigate these complexities. Whether you need support with sourcing, operational optimization, or exploring new market opportunities, our team is here to help.
Contact us to discuss how we can help your cannabis business thrive in this ever-evolving industry.
Stay informed! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest cannabis industry updates, insights, and exclusive opportunities.
Comments