Abstract
A comprehensive multi-residue pesticide analysis for cannabis flower matrices using QuEChERS sample preparation, LC-MS/MS, and GC-MS/MS was established and validated for 368 pesticides with excellent recoveries (70-120%) for over 97% of analytes tested. This method was applied to cannabis flower samples from Oregon and results were compared to existing state pesticide regulations. Four of these one hundred samples analyzed contained pesticides unregulated in Oregon, while three samples contained regulated pesticides significantly above Oregon’s regulated action levels. These results suggest a need for more complete testing regulations surrounding cannabis and highlight possible deficiencies in quality control and oversight among independent testing laboratories in states with mandatory cannabis testing. Given cannabis products’ use as medicine among immunocompromised and other vulnerable populations, non-compliant pesticide residues on cannabis indicate an area of concern for regulators interested in maintaining a standard of clean and healthy cannabis products for recreational cannabis consumers and medical cannabis patients alike.
