There are many different pesticides found in cannabis, but some of the most common ones include the following:
Used to control weeds that compete with crops for nutrients and resources.
Used to control insects, such as mosquitoes, ants, and beetles.
Used to control fungal diseases that can damage crops.
Used to control rodents, such as mice and rats.
Pesticides in cannabis are the chemical substances used to control pests and diseases that can damage cannabis plants during cultivation. Pesticides can be applied in various forms such as sprays, baits, and powders to protect cannabis plants from pests and diseases such as spider mites, aphids, powdery mildew, and other harmful organisms.
However, the use of pesticides in cannabis cultivation is upheld to strict regulations in many countries including Canada due to safety concerns on product safety, potential risks to human health, the environment. Incorrect usage of pesticides can lead to residues remaining on the harvested cannabis products, which can be harmful to human health.
Therefore, it is important for cannabis growers in Canada to follow the guidelines and regulations set by Health Canada when using pesticides in cannabis cultivation.
Pesticide testing provides many benefits including:
Consumer safety: Pesticides can be harmful to human health if they are ingested or inhaled. Cannabis products are often used for medicinal purpose which makes it essential that they are free from harmful chemicals.
Compliance with regulations: Many countries like Canada limit the types and levels of pesticides that can be used in the cultivation of cannabis. Testing for pesticides is necessary to ensure that cannabis products comply with these regulations.
Product quality: The use of pesticides can affect the quality and potency of cannabis products. Testing for pesticides can ensure that products are of high quality and meet the standards expected by consumers.
Environmental impact: Pesticides can have a negative impact on the environment if they are not used responsibly. Pesticide testing can help to identify any misuse or overuse of pesticides and allow for corrective action to be taken.
At PPB Analytical, we test for quality and analyze for excellence. We test for 96 Analytes in the pesticide analysis required by Health Canada, which can be viewed down below.
Pesticide testing for cannabis is a critical process that helps ensure the safety of cannabis products for consumption. The testing process involves several steps, which include:
Sample Intake and Identification: PPB Analytical Incorporated receives the cannabis samples for testing and verifies the identification and chain of custody for each sample.
Sample Preparation: The cannabis sample is prepared by grinding it to create a representative sample. This homogenized sample is then weighed and placed in a test tube.
Extraction: The homogenized cannabis sample is extracted with a solvent to extract the pesticide residues. The extracted solution is then filtered to remove any impurities.
Clean-up: The filtered extract is subjected to a clean-up process to remove any interferences and improve the detection limit of the method set by Health Canada.
Analysis: The clean extract is analyzed using a combination of a GC-MS and LC-MS to identify and quantify pesticide residues.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: The data is then analyzed, and the results are compared to regulatory standards set by Health Canada. Based on these same standards, PPB Analytical will determine if the sample passes or fails.
Reporting: PPB Analytical Incorporated will then generate a report detailing the methods used, the results obtained, and any relevant interpretations or conclusions. The report is typically provided to the client along with a Certificate of Analysis.
