Since the legalization of cannabis for medical uses in November 2000 and recreational uses in November 2012, the cannabis industry has boomed in the state of Colorado. Colorado has issued over 2,917 licenses for cannabis businesses, many of those licenses for growing or cultivating cannabis. However, agriculture regulations on pesticide uses for cannabis are still being tested and modified today. Learn more about regulations and guidelines for cannabis pesticides in Colorado.
What is the Regulatory Body Responsible for Cannabis Pesticides Laws in Colorado?
The Colorado Governor issued an Executive Order in 2015 that directed Colorado state agencies to address the public safety threats posed by pesticide-contaminated marijuana. State agencies involved in the regulation of marijuana pesticide applications include the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). Pesticide regulations for all crops are enforced in accordance with federal laws as well as the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act. The Colorado Department of Agriculture has developed criteria by which pesticides are allowed to be used in the growing of Cannabis in Colorado. The rules also establish which pesticides are permitted in the cultivation of cannabis-based on the available evidence about which pesticides have been established for the use of edible products and those intended to be inhaled by smoking.
What are the guidelines for cannabis pesticides in Colorado?
Guidelines for which pesticides are permitted in the cultivation of cannabis in Colorado can be found in the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act. The guidelines stipulate that a pesticide for cannabis:
1. Must be registered as a pesticide with the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
2. Must be used in accordance with its label/label directions. This includes a written direction that the ingredients of the pesticide are exempt by law from the trace residue tolerance requirements, that the pesticide should be used on the intended site of application, that the pesticide is allowed to be used on crops intended for human consumption, and that the pesticide is allowed for use on tobacco.
How do you know if your Cannabis Pesticides Qualify?
The CDA has published a list of approved pesticides for cannabis and can be found on the CDA website in both PDF and excel file formats. The list is continually updated based on available evidence and when cannabis cultivators bring cannabis pesticide products to the CDA for review. Ten new cannabis pesticides were just added to the approved list in April 2020 including:
- Crest
- lifeguard WG
- Mammoth CannControl
- Promote
- Sugar Mover Premier
- Thymox Control Organic Fungicide and Bactericide Concentrate
- Typhoon
- Weed Warrior Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer
- Weed Warrior Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer (Ag Use)
- Wizard’s Brew Concentrate
These additions to the list are also announced via email which is sent to those involved in the industry.
Since the CDA is continuously testing and updating their standards for pesticide use on cannabis, it is important to test your products for both quality and compliance to regulations. Chem Service Inc. has Colorado pesticide standard mixtures to test whether or not your cannabis pesticide meets Colorado requirements. Contact Chem Service or shop online today to order your cannabis pesticide mixture for testing!
