Starting in 2016, Oregon will require testing for pesticides in recreational and medical marijuana.
There are several accredited labs around Oregon to help with this process. These labs have new requirements of their own in the new year as well. The pesticides tested for are commonly used in cannabis cultivation. As a consumer, I feel more comfortable with products that have been tested.
Unlike fruits and vegetables consumed by the public, cannabis is not eaten but in most cases is lit on-fire and inhaled. There are a unique set of chemicals that should be a concern for consumers. Some pesticides may be harmless through the growing, harvesting, and packaging process. These same pesticides could become very dangerous when smoked.
Flower is seemingly the cleanest seemingly to keep free of pesticides. I am hopeful for nice buds out in the world to partake in. Looking at the other chemicals introduced in processing concentrates and edibles, the list of dangerous pesticides may grow drastically. However, if you think about concentrates in general, the pesticides present are also concentrated, so in-turn you use smaller amounts. With edibles, the entire list of ingredients that make up your cookies and candies come into question. Be a smart shopper, check the ingredients list and ask questions.
There is big concern for farmers, processors and dispensaries that there may be large amounts of product destroyed because of testing regulation. I believe these businesses are responsible and will welcome these tests. The process should be viewed as a mark of quality for the products they labor over and love. Hopefully, labs will in-turn take pride in their work and provide strict control throughout the process.
Cost is always a big problem when trying to sell anything, so hold on tight Oregon. Starting January 1, 2016, testing and the state tax might make your next purchase a bit more costly. However, it should make you lifted knowing the cannabis product you are enjoying has been carefully handled from sprout to smoke.
The above information is opinion only from Dank Creative and should not be used as professional recommendations.
