A recent study by Steep Hill Labs highlighted the significant challenge growers in California will face when new product testing requirements go into effect in January 2018.

Applying the same testing standards currently used in Oregon, Steep Hill found that 83% of the products tested would have failed, exceeding the allowable limits. The most prevalent of the pesticides was Mycobutinol, a compound that converts into toxic hydrogen cyanide when combusted as with smoking.

Growers will significantly need to adapt their cultivation operations to address the high prevalence of pesticides, both to meet the state’s new regulations, and to address the growing concerns among consumers about the quality of cannabis they are ingesting.