Cannabis Production and Pesticides
As spring approaches, even casual gardeners know how detrimental pesky insects and fungus can be when cultivating healthy crops. It is no different when producing cannabis. Understanding which pesticides are allowed not only provides safety for the producers, but also protects those consuming the product.
This article’s goal is to help you find information on which pesticides are allowed by providing context, resources, and tools for success.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) provides a complete list of the pesticides allowed for use on cannabis, and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) defines action limits for pesticides. Action limits are the pesticide concentration level at which cannabis must be seized by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).
Background on Pesticides and Testing Requirements
On Mar. 2, 2022, LCB adopted rule amendments on required cannabis quality control testing. Among those changes, WAC 314–55–102 was amended to require all cannabis products produced and sold in Washington to be screened for a specific list of pesticides at an I-502-certified laboratory. LCB has authority under RCW 69.50.342(1) to approve specific pesticides for use in cannabis production, and to establish pesticide testing requirements for cannabis products. WAC 314–55–084 allows the LCB to permit the use of pesticides in the production, processing, and handling of cannabis that have been registered by the WSDA under the Pesticide Control Act (15.58 RCW). WAC 314–55–108 establishes pesticide action levels for pesticides. All other pesticides not listed or not allowed are assigned an action level in WAC 314–55–108. Pesticides not listed are assigned an action level of 0.1ppm.
Pesticide Information Center OnLine (PICOL) Database
Washington State University’s Pesticide Resources and Education Program (PREP) has created PICOL, a free, searchable pesticide label database. Funding for the database is provided by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University, and Washington State University.
LCB works closely with WSDA to provide an up-to-date list of all approved pesticides for use on cannabis, and the criteria WSDA utilizes to determine whether new pesticides can be added to the list. The list of approved pesticides can be found here.
The WSDA has developed a PDF version ‘list of pesticides’ that can be found here. The same list can be searched on the PICOL by selecting Quick Search and then following the link for I-502/I-692 (WA only).
The I-502/I-692 (WA only) link provides a searchable format as shown below:
The text boxes for each column can be used to filter results. The links for product labels are also available to see examples of the specific products.
This link also provides links to approved fertilizers, worker protection standards, technical assistance, pesticide storage, and waste pesticide disposal.
In addition to the PICOL list, the WSDA has several templates that can be used to keep track of pesticide and fertilizer application. Producers are required to keep a log of fertilizers and pesticides used as described in WAC 314–55–087.
The Advanced Search allows users to search either for current records, or for recently cancelled products.
As outdoor cannabis producers prepare for planting season, and indoor producers continue cultivation, LCB wants to remind licensees of tools designed to help them remain compliant and successful.
