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Every year since Washington legalized cannabis, consumer watchdogs inside and outside of the industry have warned the public about the presence of unsafe pesticides, or unsafe levels of pesticides in the legal weed supply. Most recently, pesticides are at the forefront of consumers' minds again following a report that a medical marijuana advocate with Patients United wrote to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to tell them that pesticide contamination levels in Washington may constitute a public health emergency.
“Likely tens of thousands of Washington consumers are consuming regulated recreational cannabis during any one day,” wrote patient advocate John Kingsbury. "With pesticide testing failure rates of 30-43%, it is statistically guaranteed that those consumers will consume product with illegal amounts of pesticides in it every third use.”
The numbers referenced by John Kingsbury came from testing data from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Without disputing the claims, LCB spokesperson Brian Smith pointed out that the WSDA’s pesticide tests are mostly based on complaints, and "samples submitted based on complaints could result in positive for pesticides results in greater frequency than the average population.” A valid point, though a separate report by Confidence Analytics independently found that an average of 30% of the products they tested contained illegal levels of pesticides or unapproved pesticides. Their findings were that fails for concentrates were the highest (45% failure rate), followed by trim (30% failure rate), and finally flower (11% failure rate).
The numbers referenced by John Kingsbury came from testing data from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Without disputing the claims, LCB spokesperson Brian Smith pointed out that the WSDA’s pesticide tests are mostly based on complaints, and "samples submitted based on complaints could result in positive for pesticides results in greater frequency than the average population.” A valid point, though a separate report by Confidence Analytics independently found that an average of 30% of the products they tested contained illegal levels of pesticides or unapproved pesticides. Their findings were that fails for concentrates were the highest (45% failure rate), followed by trim (30% failure rate), and finally flower (11% failure rate).
Concerns about pesticides in cannabis reached a fever pitch after a local chain of pot shops started a program to randomly lab test their products. Within 2 months, they found that 20 to 30% of their products contained high levels of residual pesticides.
You may be surprised to learn that Washington does not require pesticide testing for marijuana products. WAC 314-55-102 specifically states that “certified labs must be certified to the following fields of testing by the WSLCB… with the exception of mycotoxin, heavy metal, or pesticide residue screening.” This section was revised in April 2018 to specify that testing for residual or illegal pesticides is only required if a cannabis producer wishes to incorporate the Washington State Department of Health's (DOH) “General Use,” “High CBD,” or “High THC” compliance logos on their packaging. For clarification, products with these compliance labels are intended for medical users, but any adult may purchase products with “General Use” or “High CBD” labels.
Unfortunately, not much is known about the potential health risks of inhaling pesticides. The problem is that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can’t legally give the marijuana industry guidance on this, nor can they approve any chemicals for use on an illegal crop. The WSDA has approved 300 pesticides for use on marijuana on the basis that the EPA allows them to be used on food crops, and while these pesticides are safe to eat in small amounts, there are little to no studies about the effects of combusting and inhaling these pesticides.
One legal fungicide that’s especially troubling is myclobutanil, the active ingredient in a now banned pesticide known as Eagle 20. When myclobutanil is heated to 401º F— perhaps using a butane lighter— it converts into a toxic gas called hydrogen cyanide. In case you’re wondering, a standard lighter burns in excess of 3,500º F.
Myclobutanil is approved for use on cannabis in Washington state, but not approved for use on tobacco at the federal level. The action level (maximum allowable concentration) for myclobutanil in Washington cannabis is 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and of the 1,000+ cannabis products tested by Confidence Analytics between June 2016 and October 2018, just 4% failed for myclobutanil.
Even natural pesticides like neem oil can have negative effects on your health when consumed in high doses; the active ingredient, azadirachtin, is believed to be the potential cause of the cyclical vomiting illness that has come to be known as "Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome" (CHS). Though neem oil is safe to use as a pesticide while cannabis is in its vegetative state, it should not be applied to the plant once it begins flowering because users who inhale excessive amounts of azadirachtin— especially if it’s been concentrated into dabs— may experience severe nausea, cramps, and vomiting. Note that some conscientious producers like Lazy Bee Gardens specify on their packaging and their website that they only use neem oil during the vegetative cycle.
But make no mistake: you’re still better off buying recreational weed over anything you’d get from the black market. Illegal growers have been using nasty pesticides for decades that have caused harm to medical marijuana patients, to animals, and to the environment; The compulsory lab testing that comes with a regulated cannabis economy holds growers to higher quality standards— even just by banning the use of certain chemicals— but there’s no accountability without mandatory pesticide screenings.
It goes without saying that lab testing Washington cannabis for pesticides should have been required from the beginning, and now the powers that be are currently working on rules for mandatory pesticide testing.
Many recreational consumers and medical patients concerned about pesticides want weed that was grown using organic cultivation methods; The problem with this— as you might recall from our article on living soil— is a question of semantics. There’s nothing to stop any I-502 producer from cultivating marijuana using “organic" growing techniques, but use of the word “organic” is regulated by the federal government, so we can’t legally use the “o” word in the weed industry until pot is legalized or rescheduled on the national level.
The WSDA is addressing this legal bottleneck by starting their own program to certify Washington cannabis under “organic” like standards. This program was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee in May 2017, and has taken the better part of 2 years to get off the ground. “The goal is to be able to begin offering the service next year, in 2019,” said WDSA spokesperson Hector Castro, “We’re on track right now to be able to do that.” As of this writing, it looks like the program will be called Certified Cannabis.
Unfortunately the state’s Certified Cannabis program isn't up and running yet, and regular consumers are looking for solutions now.
In 2003, accredited organic certification agent Chris Van Hook received a call from a California cannabis farmer who wanted to certify his crop. Van Hook wanted to help the farmer, but he knew that marijuana could not legally be certified as organic, so the following year he started the Clean Green Certified program to certify cannabis by the same cultivation standards.
In order to be certified, a farm must only grow their cannabis using pre-approved soils, nutrients, and pesticides that are allowed under national organic programs. As of 2008, Clean Green has certified over 175 marijuana businesses across the United States, and is now expanding into Canada. About 16 of Washington’s 1,000+ producers are Clean Green Certified, and as Herbn Elements is a Clean Green Certified dispensary, we carry products from at least 4 of those growers.
There are plenty of brands on dispensary shelves that have the words “pesticide free” on their packaging, but the truth is that the phrase “pesticide free” is misleading; some form of pest control will always be necessary in cannabis cultivation, and even water could be considered a pesticide.
Most growers are aware of the negative connotations and potential health risks associated with pesticides, so the ones who grow “pesticide free” weed abstain from using harsh chemicals. These farms still need to make sure there are no bugs in their buds, so they opt to use natural pest control methods like sage, cedar, rosemary, and/or predatory insects. All this is to say that there’s nothing wrong with natural pest control methods, we just want to point out the misnomer so our customers think of “pesticide free” herb as “chemical free” instead.
In addition to being a Clean Green Certified dispensary, Herbn Elements is also a medically-endorsed marijuana store, so we recently added “Clean Green” and “DOH Certified” filters to our online menu to make it easier for our customers to find certified cannabis products. Clean Green Certified products are denoted with a green leaf icon, and products that are compliant with DOH standards are denoted with a green “DOH.”
Alternatively, if you’re concerned about consuming pesticides and need peace of mind tonight, please visit our Seattle pot shop and ask for Clean Green Certified or “pesticide free” products.
Well last month was a hoot, wasn’t it? We’re glad #snowpocalyse is behind us and that we can go back to enjoying our awesome city (as well as some events from last month that were cancelled and rescheduled due to the snow). We’re really excited about all the great events happening in and around Seattle this month, so without further adieu, here are some of our favorites:
Friday, March 1 - Robyn @ Paramount Theater
Call your girlfriend because Swedish electro-pop sensation Robyn is back in Seattle! Say hi to budtender Micky if you see her at the show.
Friday, March 1 - GayC/DC @ El Corazón
An all-gay tribute to AC/DC, GayC/DC is the cover band that Seattle didn’t know it needed!
Saturday, March 2 - Laser Bowie @ Pacific Science Center
Who wouldn’t want to get high and watch a live laser show set to the music of David Bowie?!
Thursday, March 7 - Weed School: Western Cultured @ Herbn Elements
Class is in session! Our friends from Western Cultured will be at our dispensary from 4 to 7pm to talk about their smooth and flavorful indoor buds. All their products will be 15% OFF!
Thursday, March 7 - Cherry Glazerr @ Neumos
Indie rock trio Cherry Glazerr will be performing tracks from their latest album, Apocalipstick, at Neumos. If there’s a tall dude with a ponytail blocking your view, that’s probably budtender Dylan (I’m sure he’ll step aside if you ask nicely).
Friday, March 8 - DEFY Wrestling: Dragon Spirit @ Washington Hall
Sure, watching wrestling on TV is fun, but it’s nothing compared to the thrill of being at a match in person. I’m not even a pro wrestling fan, but in person matches are objectively way more fun than watching at home!
Saturday, March 9 - Movie Matinee: Lords of Chaos @ Substation
The new biopic about the controversial founding fathers of black metal was released last month to dismal reviews, but a number of die hard metalheads like myself are still curious to see a fictionalization of these extreme moments in metal history. You could (and probably should) just stay home and watch Until The Light Takes Us instead, but you’ll be in good company if you choose to make it to this film screening.
Sunday, March 10 - “Lake City” Book and Joint Pack Signing @ Herbn Elements
Our pot shop is thrilled to host an exciting moment in book marketing and cannabis marketing history: come by on Sunday March 10th between 4pm and 6pm to meet Thomas Kohnstamm, author of Lake City, and get your book and/or Lake City joint packsigned! Thomas will also be joined by Saint Lawrence, owner of Saints Joints.
Sunday, March 10 - "Lake City" Book Reading @ Seattle Public Library, Lake City Branch
Back in January we promoted the release of Seattle author Thomas Kohnstamm’s new novel set here in our scenic locale of Lake City. This month, Kohnstamm will be reading from his novel, Lake City, at the Lake City branch of the public library from 2 to 3:30pm. Don’t forget to stop by our dispensary afterward so you can pick up a limited edition Lake City joint pack and get it signed!
Thursday, March 14 - Weed School: Mr. Moxey's Mints + Spot @ Herbn Elements
Class is in session! The folks from Botanica Seattle (producers of Mr. Moxey's Mints, Spot chocolates, and Journeyman edibles) will join us from 4-7pm to talk about their diverse array of premium edibles. All Mr. Moxey's Mints and Spot products will be 15% off!
March 14-17 - Emerald City Comic Con @ Washington State Convention Center
Put out the bat signal and grab your spandex, because it’s time for Emerald City Comic Con! Assistant Manager Nathan will be working the Top Shelf Toys table this year, so ask him to do his Brad Garrett impression if you see him (trust me, it’s worth it).
The yearly celebration of all things pop culture will be held at the Washington State Convention Center; if you can’t get in this year, it’s still worth the trip downtown for the people watching opportunities.
Saturday, March 16 - Monster Jam @ Centurylink Field
Saturday! Saturday! Saturday! (vroooom) It’s Monster Jam at Centurylink Field (vroooom)! Featuring monster trucks like Brodozer, Earthshaker, and the legendary Grave Digger! Bring your friends, bring your enemies, but most importantly, bring some serious ear protection because it’s gonna get LOUD! Our Assistant Manager Jamie will be there, presumably with a beer in both hands (and/or one of those beer-dispensing hats).
Saturday, March 16 - Lucky @ Tacoma Dome
Several of our budtenders are looking forward to Lucky this month: a Saint Patrick’s Day themed EDM show. Be safe, drink lots of water, and say hi to budtender Daniel if you run into him!
Tuesday, March 19 - Cypress Hill @ Showbox Sodo
If you’re reading an events blog on a cannabis dispensary’s website but have never been to a Cypress Hill show... you’re messing up! Take some hits from the bong, load up on prerolls, and get down to Showbox Sodo because 4/20 is coming early this year!
Thursday, March 21 - Weed School: Leafwerx & PAX Era @ Herbn Elements
Class is in session! Stop by our shop between 4 and 7pm to meet the folks from Leafwerx and PAX. Get your PAX device engraved for FREE! Plus we have a special deal from 4-7pm: get a Leafwerx pod and a PAX Era together for $40!
Thursday, March 21 - Tiffany Haddish @ Paramount Theater
Famous for her role in Girls Trip and The Last OG, laugh-out-loud comedic actress Tiffany Haddish is performing stand-up comedy at The Paramount for her adoring fans.
Friday, March 22 - The Black Queen @ Chop Suey
Featuring former members of Nine Inch Nails and Dillinger Escape Plan, The Black Queen is the sort of dark & mellow synthwave band you’d expect to hear at your local goth bar. Once more, say hi to Dylan if you see him at the show, and let him know if he’s blocking your view.
Saturday, March 23 - Metal Yoga @ Substation
Some people relax by smoking weed and listening to metal (me), and others relax by smoking weed and doing yoga (my girlfriend). This March, Substation is giving us both the opportunity merge our relaxation techniques. There’s no mention of what sub-genre they’ll be playing, but it’s gotta be doom metal, right?
Monday, March 25 - Vince Staples @ Showbox Sodo
Formerly of Odd Future fame, talented rapper Vince Staples has risen in popularity over the last few years and has been featured on tracks by artists like Tyga, Gorillaz, and Jhene Aiko. Catch the LBC native at Showbox Sodo on March 25th.
Thursday, March 28 - Weed School: Smokey Point Productions@ Herbn Elements
Class is in session! The team from Smokey Point Productions will be here from 4 to 7pm to talk about their indoor flower, distillate cartridges, and shatter-infused prerolls!
Friday, March 29 - Children of Bodom @ El Corazón
Hailing from Finland, melodic death metal icons Children of Bodom are known amongst headbangers for their proggy, fast-paced guitar riffs that sound like an arcade game from Hell. These guys put on a great show, so don’t miss out!
Saturday, March 30 - Roger McNamee: Zucked @ The Summit
Roger McNamee— a tech investor and former mentor of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg— will talk about his firsthand experiences with the company’s “malignant applications” during the 2016 election, as well as the "existential threat [Facebook] poses to our public health and political order."
March 30-31 - Vegfest @ Seattle Center
Look, you’re gonna get the munchies either way… you may as well eat something healthy and/or plant based!
Those are our favorite Seattle events for March 2019! Thanks for reading, and a special thanks to my Herbn Elements colleagues for their contributions to this month’s blog. We hope you’ll come and see us for all your smoking, vaping, and dabbing needs before you venture out to any of these fun events.