Colorado is the first state in the US that legalized the selling and using of marijuana. The state allows certain stores to sell the famous recreational drug and controls the production of it from seed to sale.
January 1, 2014 was the date that Colorado started to sell recreational pot to people aged 21 or older. Marijuana is considered to be the third most famed recreational drug after alcohol and tobacco in the US.
But recently, the state is alarmed of the presence of pesticides in marijuana products. There are certain levels of pesticides that are harmful to people. According to Huffington Post, high levels of neurotoxin imidacloprid are found on at least one marijuana product sold over-the-counter. Tests performed by an independent lab showed that 2,362 marijuana products have dangerous levels of pesticides.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper released an executive order saying that when a pesticide is administered to a crop and it shows contradiction to the pesticide's label, and when the crop is tainted by that pesticide, it becomes a hazard to the public safety.
CNN reported that businesses that are into this recreational drug are not obliged by the state to have their products undergo pesticide testing. These businesses are not even subject to random testing. In Colorado, there is no pesticide legislation. Because of its absence, pot businesses took the initiative to self-regulate pesticides. They bring their own products to labs approved by the state.
If these pesticides are found on avocadoes, potatoes, or any crop displayed at markets, the removal of these products will be instantaneous. Since pot products are not usually screened for pesticides, removal of them on shelves can be delaying or sometimes never.
Executive director of the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, Larry Wolk said pot businesses hat self-regulate pesticides are called "buyer beware" market. It means that businesses and consumers are left with the responsibility and decision to inspect products.
Colorado is trying to pass a legislation that would inhibit the use of illegal pesticides on crops. If the pesticide legislation will not be approved, consumers must be very vigilant on buying pot products.
