In 2024, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) proposed new changes to the current regulations surrounding the testing of pesticides. These new proposals came after the highly critical LA Times article had made tremendous shockwaves through the industry, garnering media attention nationwide. In response to the increased scrutiny, the DCC held a forum with current testing labs to get input on their proposed changes and how best to improve and implement them. As one of those testing labs that took part in the forum, and with the latest proposed pesticide rule updates posted on the DCC website, we will break down the major changes and what they mean for operators and consumers alike.
Additional Pesticides
One of the main points of the proposed pesticide regulations is to increase the overall number of pesticides that are required to be tested by any licensed and accredited laboratory. While many calls were made to drastically increase the number of pesticides, the DCC has opted to add 14 pesticides to the current list.
| New Pesticides | Action Levels (µg/g) for Inhalable | Action Levels (µg/g) for Non-Inhalable |
| Buprofezin | 0.1 | 60.0 |
| Carbendazim | 2.0 | 6.5 |
| Cyprodinil | 0.1 | 50.0 |
| Dacthal (DPCA) | 0.1 | 0.07 |
| Fenobucarb (BPMC) | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Fluopyram | 5.0 | 33.0 |
| Isoprocarb (MIPC) | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Methamidophos | 1.0 | 0.064 |
| Monocrotophos | 0.3 | 0.056 |
| Omethoate | 0.1 | 2.0 |
| Procymidone | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Pymetrozine | 1.0 | 0.52 |
| Pyraclostrobin | 0.1 | 3.3 |
| Pyrimethanil | 0.1 | 15.0 |
That means that there will now be 80 total pesticides that are required for testing on a compliance panel through the state. That is a welcome increase and keeps California as one of the states with the highest amount of pesticides, but no longer keeps them at number one. Colorado recently updated their regulations to include 108 pesticides required for testing, adding a whopping 56 new pesticides.
The DCC added these specific pesticides, based on a combination of consultations with testing labs, public reports of pesticides appearing on cannabis products, and consultation from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). All this input helped shape this new list, and ongoing research and consultation will continue to determine if more updates are needed in the future.
No More Categories
In the original pesticide regulations, pesticides were divided into two different categories. While this system served an important purpose, it was often confusing for operators and the public to fully understand. Certain pesticides, while determined safe for use on crops, were especially harmful when combusted and then inhaled. This led the then DCC to create their initial list based on two categories: one that could not be detected in the product at all, and pesticides that were allowed at small levels considered safe.
Under the new proposed updates, the original classification of categories will be eliminated. Instead, each pesticide will have its own specific action limit. Many testing laboratories have welcomed this change, as the category structure often created confusion and added unnecessary complexity to the compliance testing process.
Action Limit Revisions
In addition to the new pesticides and the elimination of categories, the DCC will be revising the action limits for 21 of the current pesticides. This includes the original Category I pesticides that will now have health-based action limits instead of LOQ-based detection thresholds.
The following action limits updates are as follows:
| Pesticides | New Action Levels (Inhalable) | New Action Levels (Non-Inhalable) |
| Abamectin | | 0.3 |
| Acephate | | 5.0 |
| Aldicarb | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Carbofuran | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Chlordane | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Chlorfenapyr | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Chlorpyrifos | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Coumaphos | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| DDVP (Dichlorvos) | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Dimethoate | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Ethoprop(hos) | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Fenoxycarb | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Fipronil | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Imazalil | 0.1 | 0.10 |
| Methiocarb | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Methyl parathion | 0.1 | 0.10 |
| Mevinphos | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Paclobutrazol | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Propoxur | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Spiroxamine | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Thiacloprid | 0.10 | 0.10 |
Conclusion
The DCC has taken a positive step towards improving the safety and credibility of the California Cannabis market. These improved proposed regulations will help products become safer, with a wider range of pesticides now being tested, and create a clearer picture surrounding the action limits of all pesticides for operators and consumers. As a lab, we always push for safety and accountability in the space to ensure that there is access to safe, clean cannabis for all. However, we hope that this is just the beginning of our continued conversations with the DCC to help improve the testing regulations over time and to help consumers and operators alike. If you have any questions regarding these new changes, feel free to reach out and follow us as we will work to keep everyone up to date on all the latest news surrounding regulations in the state!