Oregon Dept. of Ag out with pot pesticide guidance list

he Oregon Department of Agriculture has createda list of 257 pesticide products to help guide marijuana growers and pesticide applicators throughout the state.

The guide list is available on ODA’scannabis and pesticide s webpage at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/Pesticides/RegulatoryIssues/Pages/CannabisPesticides.aspx

ODA regulates the sale, use,and distribution of pesticides products in Oregon. In doing so, ODA relies onthe Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as well asstate statutes, and enforces the product label as the law.

Currently, thereareno registered pesticide products in Oregon that are specifically labeled foruse on marijuana . However, ODA has established criteria for possible productsthat may be used on marijuana .

The intent of developing criteria is to assistgrowers in distinguishing those pesticide products with labels that do notlegally prohibit use on cannabis from those that clearly do not allow use, officials said.

Use of a pesticide on cannabisis allowed if it is intended for unspecified food products, is exempt from atolerance, and is considered low-risk.

Those involved in using pesticide s for cannabis production should consult the guide list, follow theproduct label, and use that product according to its directions, the agency said.

All otherproducts used may be considered illegal and, if laboratory testing found thepresence of these pesticide residues, it could be considered a violation of theOregon Pesticide Law.

The guide list will beupdated on the ODA webpage as needed. Growers and pesticide applicators areencouraged to check the guide list frequently.