I’ve done a few blog posts on my experiences at dispensaries and commercial grows, and I’ve alluded to some of the negative experiences I’ve had, but I haven’t put much of a specific focus on the practices that I saw concerning pesticide implementation at commercial grows that I worked at. Strap in, this shit is scarier than online dating.
First, I want to begin by mentioning that I am not a scientist, nor do I understand exactly how these pesticides work because I’m not privy to exactly what pesticides we used at the commercial grows that I worked at. But I also believe I have a fundamental understanding of what is going on based on the common sense of an intelligent person.
Have you ever used bug spray? Sure you have. Do the insects die right away? Not in my experience. Generally, pesticides or insecticides cause “nervous system disruption” and, according to ChatGPT, this is how they work:
Nervous System Disruption
Many insecticides attack the insect’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death.
Pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin, cyfluthrin)
- Keep sodium channels in nerve cells open longer than normal.
- Cause continuous nerve firing.
- The insect experiences tremors, paralysis, and eventually dies.
Organophosphates (e.g., malathion, chlorpyrifos)
- Block an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase.
- Acetylcholine accumulates at nerve junctions.
- Nerves keep firing uncontrollably, leading to convulsions and death.
Neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid)
- Bind to nicotine-like receptors in insect nerves.
- Cause overstimulation of the nervous system.
- Insects become paralyzed and die.
Okay, let’s start there. They are designed to destroy nervous systems. Now let’s discuss how cannabis affects our brains when we consume it. As many know, all vertebrate mammals have an endocannabinoid system, which is comprised of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Most CB1 receptors are contained in our brains. So consuming cannabis that has nervous system disruptors contained in it is kind of like a chemical Trojan horse. Your body welcomes in the THC and other phytocannabinoids, but it cannot bring those things in without bringing in residual pesticides that the cannabis was sprayed with.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that combusting anything will cause unwanted and cancerous chemical processes. Fun fact: raw tobacco contains several hundred carcinogens in its natural form, but once you combust tobacco, those carcinogens multiply into over 7,000 known chemicals. So could you imagine what combusting pesticides does to your brain?
Seven Five Farm in Boulder
This is what I experienced firsthand in this dog shit grow known as 75 Farm in Boulder, CO. We would put on full hazmat suits and spray all the plants (in the flower stage, on the buds themselves) with pesticides that I can only imagine were illegal by USDA and FDA standards, but state-level grows don’t have to conform to the federal entities I just mentioned. We would then put a sign on the door with a skull and crossbones that would say, “Do not enter for 24-48 hours.” So yeah, if you think that is legit, I don’t know what to tell you.
Why I Believe This Issue Exists Across the Industry as a Whole
I can tell you as a cannabis farmer that most grows probably implement similar practices, even if I haven’t worked in those grows. Here’s why I believe this to be true. As a cannabis farmer who has been growing for over 15 years, I can tell you it’s almost impossible to completely eliminate pests in a grow using organic processes and not charge a premium. The reason being, it’s very time-consuming and takes a certain level of expertise to use natural, non-toxic processes to eliminate pests, and let me tell you, no one is turning a profit selling $100-$150 ounces and organically killing pests.
No One Knows
Whenever I consume with people and I pass on their bud, I always want to explain why. Turning your nose up to a bong or joint is very much taboo and considered very disrespectful in the cannabis community, typically, as is talking shit about someone’s stash. When I mention the things from above, people are always stunned. They cannot believe what they are smoking. Sadly, they usually go right back to smoking their bullshit after I mention this.
American Business as Usual
Sadly, the trash dispo model that we have rolled out in this country fits perfectly within the framework of the sedentary lifestyle and processed foods that most Americans know and love. This is why I believe that Europe will be the next frontier for me, as the EU does not allow so many of the toxic chemicals that are allowed into our food and “healthcare” system.
For instance, in Germany, you need a legit prescription from a pharmacist to get cannabis, and it is not something that tourists can get. Germany is taking the adult approach to legalization, and hopefully the rest of Europe will follow suit.
How to Avoid Toxic Pesticides in Your Cannabis?
Well, the only way to know for sure is to grow your own. You cannot trust the government or the commercial grows (and I have extensive firsthand experience with both) to protect you. Also, it’s worth mentioning that a few trips to the dispensary will cost you what a small grow will to build out, as long as you are working with someone who can guide you in the right direction and not get taken down the Amazon or Temu all-in-one bullshit kits rabbit hole.
One Love
