Colorado: Mandatory Pesticide Testing begins August 1, 2018

Mandatory pesticide testing for both medical and recreational marijuana flower and trim begins Wednesday, August 1, 2018 in Colorado. All harvest batches created on or after August 1, will require pesticide testing from all medical and recreational cultivation facilities. Pesticide testing for concentrates is not required.

Which Pesticides?

The permitted pesticides tested are listed in Rule R 712(E)(5), and include, but are not limited to: Abamectin (Avermectins: B1a & B1b), Azoxystrobin, Bifenazate, Etoxazole, Imazalil, Imidacloprid, Malathion, Myclobutanil, Permethrin (mix of isomers), Spinosad (Mixture of A and D), Spiromesifen, Spirotetramat, and Tebuconazole. However, if a permitted pesticide is applied improperly, a harvest batch can fail a test. Harvest batches detected with other banned pesticides not specifically listed in MED rules may also fail pesticide testing.

What Happens if a Harvest Batch Fails One of the Pesticide Tests?

If a harvest batch fails one or more pesticide tests, there is a procedure to retest the original test batch. The licensee must request that two additional samples that be retested for the failed pesticide. If one or both retests give a result above the allowable PPM level, all batches associated with this Harvest Batch must be destroyed.

Don’t Make an Expensive Mistake!

The use of chemicals is part of modern agriculture. Maintaining healthy marijuana plants and indoor grow environments is a challenge under a commercial production schedule. It is essential to comply with new pesticide testing regulation. A non-compliant harvest batch may not only be an expensive mistake, it can be a public health fiasco for a marijuana business to be associated with high levels of pesticides and failed tests. The attorneys at McAllister Garfield, P.C. are available to answer client questions on this new testing regulation.

Click below to read MED Bulletin 18-07.

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/IB%2018-07%20Pesticide%20IB%2006292018.pdf