"'Pesticides are fairly common on the samples that we test,' says Jose Zavaleta of National Testing Authority (ntalabs.com). 'With this in mind, about 95% of the samples we test have pesticides
and out of that, about 65% contain quantities which exceed the EPA
standards. Note, however, that the EPA does not have numbers
specifically for cannabis; instead we base our numbers on EPA standards
for herbs, vegetables and fruits. Although we are aware that the mode
of consumption is different, the harmful effects are still base upon
ingestion of the pesticide.'"
Are my meds safe?
There are some pretty big signs to look for to tell whether or not meds have been properly flushed, or had harmful chemicals used. Pesticides don't really need an explanation on why they shouldn't be smoked, so here's a "fun" fact: Even if no pesticides were used during the grow process, improperly flushed meds could have latent nutrients made from magnesium and phosphate. I'm no doctor, but I'm pretty sure those shouldn't be smoked. Do I have your attention yet? Here are some things to look out for:
- Black ash: If a joint or bowl, in a glass piece, burns into black ash.
- Trouble lighting: If a joint needs to be re-lit at all, or a bowl needs more than a couple of seconds from a lighter.
- Strange taste or smell
- Headaches, painful coughing, burning throat, or an extremely lethargic feeling are physical signs.
- Any visible sparks or loud audible crackling (should not be confused with the natural sound of burning plant matter).
Medical marijuana patients aren't doing back alley deals, so they should be provided with proper and safe meds. However, medical marijuana is far from having any type of universal safety regulations being put in place, so the burden of keeping patients safe is on themselves.
Let's take a look at some examples of the different types of ash:
Black Ash
As stated above, black ash is a one of the signs of improper flushing, so the testing had to go on...for science. Here is a photo of a joint of the same meds:
There are white/gray parts in the ash, but the dark black patches are not a good thing. You want to have minimal amounts of those. The biggest sign was that the joint in the photos went out within a minute, and this was after being smoked relatively quickly.
If the photos merely look normal, then it may be time to explore other collectives.
White/Gray Ash
The ash should resemble cigarette ash as much as possible. I know that is a horrible comparison to use, but it is the truth. Cigarettes, as harmful and deadly as they are, still need to pass a set of standards to be sold to people. Medical Marijuana does NOT, aside from voluntary testing, which a vast majority of the time does not include pesticide residue or latent nutrient testing.
This year marks the 17th year for medical marijuana in CA, so it's about time to hold collectives to a much higher set of standards. Improperly or poorfly flushed are, sadly, the norm these days. Connoisseur quality isn't just about getting a better high, or better smelling and tasting meds. It's about better quality medicine that is also safer. Seeing patients flock to sub par quality collectives is like watching people pick fast food over steak. The saddest part is that the "steak" is, often times, the same price as the "fast food" in this situation.
Stop eating fast food...get some steak.
EDIT: Please keep in mind that all of the above listed signs should be kept in mind. Ash color is only ONE sign, but is the easiest to portray in photographs.
Labels: THOUGHTS
