Officials warn of widespread use of banned pesticides on cannabis sites

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HUMBOLDT, Calif — The Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities is warning residents about the growing threat of dangerous, illegal pesticides being used on cannabis grows across the North Coast. These chemicals pose serious health and environmental risks far beyond the grow sites themselves.

Summer Hansen, the coalition's public information officer, says the pesticides being discovered are not the same as those approved for traditional agriculture. Many of them are banned in the United States, yet growers are actively seeking them out and importing them from overseas because of their strength and effectiveness.

"They're actively seeking these chemicals that are not approved in the United States, and are actively getting them from overseas because they know it will help them with their growing process because they are that harsh," Hansen said. "They kill all their pests for them way easier than doing it the approved way, which is what's safer for everyone."

RELATED | Local emergency declared in Siskiyou County over illegal pesticide use at cannabis grows For workers exposed to these chemicals, the consequences can be severe. Hansen says workers can experience headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and, in some cases, long-term nerve or organ damage.

But the risks extended far beyond the people tending the plants. The coalition reports that these toxic substances can seep into the soil and water, traveling downstream to nearby properties and agricultural fields. They can also drift through the air as dust, contaminating surrounding areas and putting vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women, at risk. "It's been tied to neurological problems and hormone disruption," Hansen said, adding that the chemicals remain even after the cannabis has been processed and smoked.

The issue spans multiple Northern California counties, including Humboldt, Trinity, Lake, Mendocino, and Siskiyou, and in particular, has become known for pesticide use linked to overseas sources. The coalition works alongside law enforcement and environmental scientists to investigate illegal grow sites and collect soil and water samples. These are sent to laboratories for analysis of both known and unknown chemicals. If new substances are identified, chemical profiles are created to help trace their origins.

The testing process also plays a critical role in legal action. When evidence of banned pesticides is found, additional charges can be filed against those responsible, and investigators can determine what substances workers and nearby communities have been exposed to. Shutting down and finding these illegal growing sites is often a constant challenge. Many grow sites are hidden deep in remote forests, miles down rugged, mountainous roads, and often camouflaged by natural vegetation. Even when authorities manage to dismantle one grow, another frequently appears elsewhere. "It's a game of cat and mouse," Hansen said.

The formation of the Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities has strengthened the fight against these operations by bringing together Sheriff's offices, district attorneys, environmental scientists, victim services, and other partners. The coalition coordinates investigations, shares data, ensures ecological testing is conducted, and provides training to law enforcement on recognizing chemical hazards and signs of labor trafficking.

Hansen emphasized that public awareness is crucial and urged cannabis users to purchase products only from licensed, trusted sources. She also encourages community members to report suspicious activity. "The chemicals are out there on processed marijuana, so you have to be very careful," she said. "If you see signs of anybody working in these rural areas who look ill, malnourished, or show signs of exposure to toxic chemicals, those are things you can report to the coalition.

Reports can be made anonymously through the coalition's website HERE or through their media platforms. "We're really just trying to educate the community and encourage you to call us and help us, help them," Hansen added.