Pesticides in cannabis and their impact on safety.
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As of May 8th, 2023, Confidence Analytics now tests for DDD, DDE, and DDT (collectively “DDX”), upon request.
There have always been “standouts” in every industry – people/groups/companies that make the “extra” effort in producing their products. Cannabis is no different. A few years back our lab customers were vocal with their frustration about not having their cannabis product recognized as organic. Organic being one of those “standout” attributes indicating extra care associated with a product and aiding consumer purchasing confidence. You see though, “Organic” is pretty much a federally protected label – governed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under strict guidelines. And as you know – cannabis and the feds – well – for today are at odds. With weed being federally illegal – devoted and environmentally-focused cannabis folks weren’t, and still aren’t, allowed to use that organic label. Why does that matter? Because many consumers are concerned with what goes into the cannabis product that they use – whether by inhalation, ingestion, or application. From that thought process – and with the intent to fill a void – the Tested with Confidence Program™ was born.
Last week Confidence Analytics was recognized by Marijuana Business Daily. Reporter Bart Schaneman published a story titled “Covid-19 delays mandatory pesticide testing for Washington state recreational cannabis.” Our Tested with Confidence Program™ got some ink as well as our CEO, Nick Mosely and TWC Program Director, Lara Kaminsky. The article recognized that due to the coronavirus, Washington state delayed hearings on the implementation of state mandated pesticide testing.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) determines and codifies the Action Limits for pesticide residues on finished cannabis products. When any single pesticide compound is detected above the limit in a cannabis product by a laboratory accredited by the WSLCB, it is considered a “fail” and the corresponding cannabis lot or batch may be subject to further scrutiny including recall and destruction of product.
When you see this PTWC logo on the package of a cannabis product, it means the product was tested for the presence of pesticides by Confidence Analytics, a Certified Cannabis Testing Laboratory. This is your indication that the product has undergone rigorous laboratory analysis to provide accurate labeling and ensure the product is free of excessive pesticide residues.
The WSLCB has opened up a CR101 rulemaking regarding pesticide testing. Public comment period is now. The LCB have outlined the reasons for this rulemaking, which include:
In Washington State, the pesticides that may be applied to cannabis crops are limited to those approved by the WSLCB and the WSDA. The repository for data on these pesticides is the PICOL database. The PICOL database is a one stop shop to find out what active ingredients, brand names, and more, are ingredients in the various pesticides available.
In addition to the tests required under WAC 314-55-10, new testing requirements are being implemented for Medical Cannabis as it comes under the purview of I502. The new section, WAC 246-70-050, requires testing for 13 prohibited pesticides for all flower, trim, leaves, or other plant matter. Concentrates require testing for 15. The Washington State Dept. of Health issued a post on their Medical Marijuana web page naming those black-listed pesticides.We’ve compiled a bit of information on these chemicals here to give you a peek; note that in the info below, “flower” is used as shorthand for “flower, trim, leaves, or other plant matter.” Stay tuned for updates and a look at heavy metals and aflotoxin/mycotoxin testing.
