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Regulating pesticides in the cannabis industry is a complex challenge. The federal illegality of cannabis restricts the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from overseeing pesticide use on cannabis plants. Consequently, local state government agencies are left to determine the methodology behind safe, clean cannabis cultivation and product sales. This blog will dive into the world of pesticide-free cannabis, Clean Green Certified cannabis, and review our products that use organic cannabis nutrients.

Understanding the Benefits of Pesticide-Free Cannabis

Cultivators produce pesticide-free cannabis by abstaining from the use of synthetic pesticides or harmful chemicals. Opting for pesticide-free cannabis ensures you’re consuming a product that has undergone rigorous testing and meets strict health and safety standards.

Consuming pesticide-free cannabis has various benefits for you and the environment, including better health, enhanced flavor and environmental protection.

1. Health and Safety: One of the primary benefits of consuming pesticide-free cannabis is a reduced risk to your health. Inhaling, ingesting or absorbing pesticide-ridden cannabis can create short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) health problems. This is especially a concern for immunocompromised individuals seeking relief from medical marijuana.The lack of long-term research on pesticides and cannabis products is primarily responsible for the absence of any direct medical cases linked to cannabis pesticides. Cannabis users should be aware of the potential risks to avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful toxins.
2. Enhanced Flavor and Aroma: The inviting taste and smell of cannabis is largely due to each plant’s specific terpene profile. Unfortunately, pesticides often mask or alter these flavor profiles. This results in the loss of specific flavors and aromas that consumers associate with strains.By choosing pesticide-free cannabis, consumers can avoid the introduction of these unwanted taste and aroma characteristics. Additionally, pesticide-free cultivation allows the natural flavors of the cannabis plant to shine through, providing a more enjoyable experience for consumers.
3. Environmental Protection: Pesticide-free cannabis cultivation contributes to environmental protection in several ways, including preservation of ecosystems, water conservation, protection of pollinators, promoting soil health and reducing chemical exposure.Support environmentally friendly cultivation practices by choosing clean cannabis grown with organic nutrients, which have a positive impact on the overall sustainability of our environment.

Cannabis Pesticide Regulations In Washington

In Washington, the state government closely regulates pesticide use in the cannabis industry. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) and the Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) are all actively working to enforce stringent regulations to protect consumers.

Each cannabis cultivator in WA must abide by the criteria outlined by the WSDA, including the list of approved pesticides. WAC 314-55-108 defines pesticide action levels, outlining the permissible limits of pesticides in cannabis products.

In order to maintain the safety and integrity of the market and protect consumers, the WSDA and WSLCB must consistently enforce regulations and follow up on any product that fails to meet these action levels. They ensure customer protection by destroying and/or recalling such products and staying updated with new research information.

Types of Safe Pesticides or Nutrients 

The list developed by the WSDA currently approves 271 pesticides. Many of the common pesticides approved for use in cannabis cultivation include essential oils, mineral oils and seed oils such as neem seed oil, linseed oil, clove oil and SuffOil-X.

Many brands now opt for 100% organic insecticides or fungicides to ensure the highest quality products and reduce their ecological footprint. You can read the full list of approved pesticides and nutrients for the State of WA, here.

Clean Green Certified Brands at Buds Garage

At Buds Garage, we are committed to offering pesticide-free cannabis products from reputable brands. Additionally, there are two types of clean cannabis brands you can look for when shopping at Buds Garage: Organic and Clean Green Certified.

Either cultivating with organic cannabis nutrients or using strictly approved pesticides with no documented health or environmental risks characterizes a Clean Green Certified brand. The certification program’s guidelines and regulations set by the local governing bodies determine the specific pesticides approved for use in Clean Green Certified cannabis brands.

Here are a few Clean Green Certified cannabis brands at Buds Garage!

Lazy Bee Gardens

Lazy Bee Gardens is dedicated to sustainable cultivation practices and natural farming methods. To ensure customers receive a premium cannabis experience, their products undergo thorough testing to ensure they are pesticide-free. Lazy Bee Gardens provides a full pesticide disclosure on their website of every product used during their cultivation process.

Green Revolution 

Green Revolution packages their cannabis products in a Clean Green Certified facility and partners with local organic farms to ensure you receive top quality buds. Taking pride in their “TLC” methods, this brand tests products three times before sale to ensure consistent products year round.

MFused 

MFused is dedicated to providing only the highest quality products to their consumers. Sourcing their products from pesticide-free farms, MFused and their partners employ a “zero tolerance” for harmful additives and pesticides. Additionally, this brand performs independent testing to “exceed state requirements.”

Visit Buds Garage today and ask our budtenders about which pesticide-free cannabis strains are right for you.