How Does Organic Weed Get Certified?
Labeling something organic does not always make it- well, organic. In the food industry, Certified Organic products must utilize at least 95 percent ingredients that are free of dyes, chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, irradiation and genetic engineering may not be used during processing.
Many businesses are quick to associate their offerings with the organic trend, because its an effective way to stand out from competitors. They are also in great demand by health enthusiasts, who are willing to pay a premium price for organic products. Theres no one stereotype, explained Bill Eddie, a Seattle-based dispensary employee. Ive been asked for organic by everyone from old ladies to hippie kids.
Making Marijuana Green
With legalization sweeping the country, cultivators are facing stiff competition from new growers entering the sector. But in order to be able to use the coveted organic weed title, growers must have their crops certified by the Clean Green Certified Program.
Very few people have the expertise and credentials needed to officially call marijuana organic. Chris Van Hook is one of the certifiers working around the clock to ensure that organic cannabis is regulated thoroughly. He is a veteran in the certification space, with roughly 14 years of experience as a federal contractor. During inspections, he takes soil samples and checks the plants for inconsistencies. It is not possible to take samples of flowers and leaves because the group cant send them to a lab located in another state. Currently, there are no local testing facilities that are equipped to handle pesticide residue tests (the organization is based in California, but offers services in Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington).
Complex, Organic Factors
The Clean Green Certified Program is the first of its kind in the cannabis sector. Founded in 2004, there are only seven employees who perform rigorous testing in far-flung, discreet growing houses. The agency had to create their own guidelines to certify marijuana crops, which includes numerous traditional USDA organic standards. For example, Van Hook might look for traces of copper sulfate in the fertilizer or soil. The inorganic ...
