Two employees of a medical marijuana cultivation facility in Oklahoma are facing federal charges for allegedly using illegal pesticides on their crops.
According to court documents, the two employees, identified as 32-year-old John Doe and 28-year-old Jane Doe, were charged with one count of conspiracy to use a pesticide not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and one count of using a pesticide not registered with the EPA.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDD) and the EPA, which found that the employees had been using a pesticide called Eagle 20EW on their marijuana plants.
Eagle 20EW contains the active ingredient myclobutanil, which is not approved for use on cannabis by the EPA. When heated, myclobutanil can produce hydrogen cyanide, a toxic gas that can be harmful if inhaled.
The OBNDD and EPA began their investigation after receiving a tip from a whistleblower who claimed that the cultivation facility was using illegal pesticides. The investigation included undercover purchases of marijuana from the facility, which were then tested for pesticide residue.
The results of the tests showed that the marijuana contained high levels of myclobutanil, leading to the charges against the two employees.
In a statement, OBNDD Director Donnie Anderson emphasized the importance of following regulations when it comes to cultivating medical marijuana. “We want to ensure that medical marijuana patients are receiving safe and quality products,” he said.
The use of illegal pesticides on marijuana crops is not only a violation of federal law, but it also poses a potential health risk to consumers. The EPA has not approved any pesticides for use on cannabis, and states have their own regulations for pesticide use on marijuana.
The two employees are scheduled to appear in federal court on October 14. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case serves as a reminder to all medical marijuana cultivators to adhere to federal and state regulations when it comes to pesticide use. The health and safety of consumers should always be a top priority in the cannabis industry.