California environmental officials ordered the destruction of hemp crops from 22 greenhouses after an investigation showed the operator used an illegal pesticide on the plants.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) took the action after being alerted by the agriculture commissioner in Sutter County in northern California, and following testing by the state Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
The pesticide could have reached consumers had it not been destroyed, CDFA said.
“This action demonstrates California’s commitment to a strong pesticide regulatory program,” CDPR Director Julie Henderson said in a statement. “Prompt, collaborative enforcement is critical to an effective pesticide regulatory program in California that protects people and the environment.”
Ongoing challenge
Use of illicit pesticides and falsification of lab reports to cover up their use have been ongoing challenges for California authorities in both marijuana and hemp operations.
The operator of the hemp greenhouses, Bin Zheng, was fined by the Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner for the application of a pesticide in conflict with the requirements on the product’s label, which do not allow it to be used on hemp. He voluntarily destroyed the crops under a settlement with the CDPR.
Before a pesticide can be legally used in California, including on hemp, it must be evaluated and registered first by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, according to the CDPR statement. The pesticide must then be separately evaluated by CDPR, which takes into account California conditions for adverse impacts to people and the environment.
CDPR and County Agricultural Commissioners enforce label requirements and restrictions regarding which pesticides may be applied to all state agricultural crops, including hemp and marijuana.
The agency has authority to seize and order destruction of a plant, crop or commodity that has been treated with a pesticide that is not registered for that use. Where a county investigation finds pesticide violations, the matter may be referred to CDPR for further action as appropriate.
Greenhouse hemp
Hemp grown in greenhouses is usually for production of CBD sold in the form of oils; but CBD is also the base material for a wide range of synthetic substances that produce psychoactive effects. Such hemp-derived intoxicants are widely available to consumers due to a loophole in federal law, and have drawn sharp scrutiny at both the federal and state levels. The use of illegal pesticides is but one of the threats presented by the illicit hemp intoxicants, which are sold as an alternative to marijuana.
A California bill intended to crack down on products containing the intoxicating hemp substances likely will not get consideration this legislative session, leaving the window open for sales of the controversial products until next year – and leaving consumers at risk, state officials have said.
California regulators last month ordered five marijuana product recalls related to banned pesticides, continuing a crackdown that began this summer. The Department of Cannabis Control recalled vape oil cartridges and pens produced by West Coast Cure, one of the state’s leading brands, with shelf space in hundreds of stores throughout the state.