EPA Offers Guidance to States for Use of Pesticide on Marijuana

Infestation by mildew, parasites, fungus, mites, bacteria, powdery mildew and other biological agents can spell disaster for a cannabis crop. Unchecked, an infestation can destroy an entire grow room worth of crops. With each crop representing thousands of dollars of investment, it is understandable that many marijuana entrepreneurs will use any means available to save an at-risk crop, including dousing it with gratuitous amounts of chemicals to kill invading organisms. Although using pesticides in such cases might seem like a sound business decision, it could actually open the doors for lawsuits and unwanted regulatory attention.  Oregon politicians Andy Olson and Jeff Barker, state in their opinion piece, “Marijuana Regulations Must Cover Pesticide Use”, that people who use medicinal marijuana may already have compromised immune systems and are those least able to bear exposure to a tainted product.

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