Concerns Over Marijuana And Pesticide

As the marijuana industry grows, so does the concern for the use of marijuana and pesticides. Pesticides have been otherwise unregulated in the budding Marijuana industry and it seems we have arrived at the necessity for industry regulations.

A legal case

The concern has been brought to the forefront by two frequent Marijuana users in Colorado who have filed a lawsuit on the matter. The two brought to court the matter that they were purchasing marijuana that they thought had been untreated, but in fact, had been treated with pesticides.

The concern begins with the biggest issue, which is of course, the one of health. Studies have shown the health risks associated with using pesticides on food and this knowledge has driven people to organically produced food. These health risks translate into the edible consumption of marijuana. However, the health risks are amplified by the fact that marijuana is often smoked. Research has been done that shows that some pesticides being used have major health risks associated when in contact with heat. So, then, the issue becomes far more dangerous if the marijuana is intended to be smoked.

Choosing chemical free

If there’s anybody that understands that there are two sides to a story, it’s a marijuana smoker. Damage to plants means that the bank account suffers. But there needs to be a sensitivity to the fact that marijuana smokers have chosen a plant over a pharmaceutical drug in order to avoid chemicals. Or the recreational marijuana smoker is choosing marijuana as a means to avoid chemical recreational drugs, or alcohol which is more damaging to the body. Disloyalty to that goes against everything the marijuana industry fought so hard to legalize for.

Tobacco companies use certain types of pesticides to protect their plants to ensure a bigger yield. These pesticides have, however, been approved by the government as compatible with that particular plant and its uses. There also needs to be some sensitivity from smokers that growers may require these pesticides in order to maintain the sustainability of their business. Perhaps there should be a list of pesticides compatible with marijuana and its uses, much the same way as the tobacco industry.

Regulation may be the key

Dishonesty about pesticide use means that strict regulations are required to keep the honesty of growers in check. Up until now, growers haven’t been required to advertise the use of pesticides on their marijuana crops, but there are enough health concerns to warrant those regulations. It is at least required that regulations are in place to ensure that pesticides that are dangerous when combined with heat are not being used. This is so important because marijuana is something that is being used for medical reasons by a lot of consumers. It is realistic that the same regulations are met for medical grade marijuana, just as packaging in the food industry is required to advertise its contents. Consumers deserve the chance to make a choice about what they are putting in their bodies.

If a plant is advertised as being organically grown, something needs to be in place to ensure that what’s being sold is in fact organic. This means the absence of pesticides and other chemicals used in the plants production. Just as consumers don’t expect chemical ridden food when they purchase organic bananas, they don’t expect their marijuana to have been in contact with pesticides. This is especially important if the product is advertised as organic because consumers have invested in certain standard of product.

Safer Practices

Pesticides may be required for the sustainability of the marijuana industry as a whole, but the government should be enforcing regulations to at least ensure that the pesticides being used are safe. And if the product is being advertised as organic, then an authoritative body should be making sure that the product is grown organically and without pesticides at all. The health implications as a result of dishonesty can be devastating if regulations are not enforced and not met. All that marijuana smokers expect from the industry is honesty, simply to be informed about the product that they are consuming.

What do you think? Do you prefer completely organic weed, or are you okay with regulated, safe, pesticides? Let us know on social media