CA Lab Finds “Concerning” Levels of Pesticides in Marijuana Products

KGTV News from San Diego reports that lab testing from California shows many marijuana products contain “concerning” levels of pesticides — often well above state health and safety standards.

Marijuana products are often contaminated by pesticides, because the marijuana plant itself easily absorbs toxins in the soil as well as chemicals or other substances sprayed on the plant. As a result, marijuana may contain pesticides, heavy metals, mold, or other contaminants.

These contaminants are passed along into marijuana products — posing serious health risks for marijuana users.

Earlier this year the Wall Street Journal reported that studies have found marijuana users have higher levels of heavy metals in their blood and are more likely to develop fungal infections. These toxins can cause serious — or even life-threatening — illnesses.

Research continues to underscore that marijuana use is dangerous.

Marijuana users face a 60% higher risk of first-time heart attack, stroke, or other major cardiovascular problem.

Heavy marijuana use has been linked to psychosis — especially among young men.

And regular marijuana use has been associated with lung problems and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. A 2022 study published in the journal of the Radiological Society of North America found marijuana smoke may actually be more harmful to lungs than cigarette smoke.

This medical research comes as a proposed marijuana amendment is vying for the 2024 ballot in Arkansas.

All of this underscores what we have said for years, marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

Another Group Announces Opposition to Marijuana Amendment in Arkansas

Last week the group Protect Arkansas Kids filed campaign paperwork with the state Ethics Commission indicating it would oppose the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2024.

The marijuana amendment by Arkansans for Patient Access would change the state constitution to expand marijuana in the state. The group submitted signatures to place the measure on the ballot last Friday. The Secretary of State is currently reviewing and counting the signatures to determine if they are valid.

If passed, the marijuana amendment would drastically expand marijuana in Arkansas.

The amendment makes it possible for people to grow and use medical marijuana without suffering from a specific medical condition listed in state law.

The measure would give free marijuana cards to immigrants and out-of-state residents who come to Arkansas to use marijuana.

It also would guarantee marijuana growers and sellers a monopoly over the state’s marijuana industry.

The measure also fails to limit the amount of THC that marijuana products can contain, and it repeals restrictions on marijuana advertising.

All of this would lead to more marijuana in the state.

Arkansas voters rejected marijuana legalization at the ballot box in 2022. That amendment was opposed by a broad coalition of churches, business groups, elected officials, and citizens who knew that marijuana would be bad for Arkansas. We anticipate similar opposition to the 2024 marijuana amendment.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.