New Pesticide Laws for Marijuana in Washington

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is finding a way to address large amounts of pesticides found in some legal cannabis tests. The organization does not require testing for pesticides at the moment. Cultivators say until further notice; it’s up to purchasers to look for that data.

A week ago, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board passed the state’s first limit levels for specific pesticides. Cannabis with higher pesticide levels could result in an item review. Danielle Rosellison and her significant other are authorized marijuana cultivators and processors in Bellingham.  They depend on little rooms and controlled environments to develop without pesticides, however, she’s not certain clients value that.

Rosellison says, “When we talk to retailers they tell us it’s not an issue. And I’m dumbfounded.”

Rosellison adds that consumers might not know that cannabis is not regulated by the same laws limiting pesticides for food. Also, there is no set testing for marijuana. However, she states that information about pesticide use is known, customers just need to ask.

Rosellison adds, “Growers have to give retailers the list of pesticides used in their products, and then if the customer asks, they have to be able to get that information from the retailers.”

State regulators additionally got rid of the residency necessity for individuals to give money or credits to cannabis organizations in Washington. It opens the ways to outside cash, however, not outside proprietorship. Rosellison serves on the leading body of the Cannabis Alliance and says industry individuals have not chosen a side yet.

Seattle lawyer Robert McVay says his cannabis business customers are partitioned as well – those doing nicely in the system would prefer not to fuel more rivalry. In any case, others are enthusiastic for capital, and out-of-state agents need to supply it.

“Lending is not exactly what they want to do, but they still see an opportunity there. Especially when there’s this idea or optimism from some of those out-of-state investors that someday that barrier to ownership will also fall,” McVay concludes.