Things couldn’t get any worse for some of the most polarizing brands in cannabis after being called out for having pesticide-heavy product on retail shelves, and a new report might be the nails in their coffins. The LA Times have now twice investigated weed vapes and pre-rolls that are sold at licensed California dispensaries, and lab results show products by popular brands are continuously exceeding state-mandated limits for pesticides. These reports have created a massive reaction from the cannabis community, as the topic of pesticides is historically controversial with growers and consumers alike. The new investigation by the Times pours a little more gasoline in the long-burning fire.
Pesticides are used during the cultivation process in cannabis for multiple reasons, such as helping speed up the growth process and/or to fight against dope-eating insects. However, certain pesticides are harmful for human consumption, and though the United States has a reputation for not enforcing strict(er) federal regulations on agricultural chemicals, there are state-mandated limits set in place for medical and recreational cannabis products for those growing and selling in the legal industry.
Whether you’re a heavy smoker or a part-time toker, this is an important topic. You deserve to know what's in your weed. So, without further ado, here are the brands that made Santa’s Naughty and Nice List (Merry Christmas btw):
Naughty List
Backpack Boyz
This is BPB’s second time being scalped by the LA Times, and the first time prompted an immediate reaction via Instagram stories. We’ll see if Quesada responds in the same manner because the Times did not let him slide with the pesticides.
West Coast Cure
Easily the funniest accusation because the LA Times is not giving the company any room to breathe, and West Coast Cure reacted the loudest after the first round of failed tests. JCures, founder of WCC, responded to the first report via Instagram stories (link above), and even had fans/consumers of his product tour his facility afterwards to prove his legitimacy. We’ll see what he says and does now because his company has the highest amount of failed tests on the new list.
Maven
An absolute shock for me. Maven is a blog-favorite, a G-Certified brand, and one of my favorites of 2024. This does change my perception on them, and I anticipate a response by them.
Flavorade
Not really a shock. I see Flavorade as a hypebeast, flex-maxxing brand that parallels the Designer Weed Culture ideology. Pretty sure they were called out on the first investigation, too. They did, however, have a number of products pass the tests. Yet, considering their reputation, this many failed tests is a bad look. Never tried them, most likely never will (unless the reports are proven to be bullshit).
STIIIZY
Also a hilarious callout by the Times, STIIIZY is, and will forever be, hyped up mids. I just don’t get the appeal. I understood it 10 years ago, I don’t get it in 2024. This is one brand that if they go bankrupt, it wouldn’t affect me in the slightest
(Dis)Honorable Brand Mentions: Kushy Punch, Rove, Phire, Phat Panda, Heavy Hitters, Cake, and Circles. You all failed, congrats.
Nice List
Connected
A well-regarded brand, Connected passing the tests doesn’t come as a shock. Many view them as having top-shelf flower and extracts, and their reputation likely stays that way.
Cold Fire
Another very popular brand of extracts in Southern California. I haven’t tried them yet, but I see them on the same level as Flavorade, so I’m a little shocked they passed the pesticide tests. Shoutout to Cold Fire, though.
Alien Labs
Another giant in the legal weed industry, Alien Labs is seen as the creme de la creme of cannabis flower and extracts. They have a huge online presence and they flaunt their exotics in every which way. I’m not shocked they passed the vibe check, but I also wouldn’t be shocked if it were the other way around. After all, Backpack Boyz had a similar effect on the culture during their prime.
Raw Garden
Though a few products failed the Times’ tests, the majority of Raw Garden’s extracts passed. They’re seen as a trustworthy brand by many, if not most, consumers. I trust Raw Garden; they’re a blog-favorite for sure and my go-to when buying carts. However, the failed tests do worry me. I just hope it’s not a foreshadow of later accusations.
CLSICS
Shocked, but also not shocked. CLSICS doesn’t have the best reputation amongst dabbers and rosin-heads, but I think they teeter above the “average” line in terms of quality. Not great, but not bad whatsoever. Not mids, but certainly not exotics. A fine middle ground.
Honorable Brand Mentions: ABX, Jeeter, and Buddies.
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