Cannabis also known as Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs across the world. As per a recent survey by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 19.8 million people across the USA use Marijuana. Even though there exists a lot of myth among people regarding Cannabis, but it has been in use from ages. It comes from dried flowering pots and is useful for relieving severe pain, nausea, chronic diseases etc. Marijuana consists of almost 120 substances, out of which the main component is cannabidiol (CBD), and delta -9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the key main mind-altering substance in marijuana. It has got a place in the medical field also, due to its many heroic features which make it one of the most researched plants used in medicine. It has shown its use in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, muscle control problems etc. Some researchers are also on the verge of finding the potential of marijuana extracts in killing cancer cells. But one of the main emerging problems is the presence of pesticide in cannabis.
The problem with pot and pesticide:
Even though a number of laws have been taken forth for improving the quality of medical cannabis, but there has still been the presence of pesticides in prescribed marijuana. Cannabis samples were taken from shops and dispensaries in various states that have legalized the sale of recreational marijuana invariably reveal products contaminated with insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides and other compounds which are used to eliminate or prevent infestations.
Even though there is a belief that legal cannabis can help in fighting the main evils in the black market that is chemical contamination. But legal weed doesn’t necessarily mean pesticide free cannabis. The pesticides now being used by some legal commercial growers, like those used on some fruits and vegetables, pose danger to consumers and grow workers as well as to our waterways and the environment at large.
Ecological Solutions:
The landscape of cannabis cultivation has changed dramatically over the last decade. Cultivating clean cannabis is about “being one” with your growing environment. The main measure that helps in reducing the use of pesticide is monitoring and controlling the environmental conditions. Some of the ecological solutions that can be taken into consideration for reducing the use of pesticide in cultivation are:
Use of clones:
If clones are brought into the farm environment, they should all be quarantined and pre-treated. We need to use a 120x-160x microscope and leaf surfaces which are thoroughly examined.
Clean environment:
Keeping a clean environment is also paramount to success. It is always recommended for visitors and workers to wear clean clothing while entering the farm.
Use of oil sprays and traps plant:
Approved essential oil sprays and other techniques such as “trap plants” can come as a great help. A trap plant is one that attracts agricultural pests, usually insects, away from nearby crops
Companion planting:
Companion planting to attract beneficial insects that feed on pests. Using plenty of biologically active nutrients for your soil and compost teas will also boost your plants’ immune systems.
When it comes to cannabis, states have to come up with their own pesticide-use controls as well as the means for making sure those regulations are being followed to ensure pesticide free cannabis. Because pot is illegal at the federal level, pesticide use on cannabis is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
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