The Dirty Weed Problem: Cannabis Insiders Weigh in
Recent investigations have revealed disturbing levels of pesticides in cannabis products across California, shaking consumer confidence in the safety of what's on dispensary shelves. With more than 5 million monthly cannabis users in the state and a booming industry set to add $112 billion to the US economy this year, the revelations have spotlighted the urgent need for cleaner practices and stricter regulations.
Leading the charge in this critical moment are pioneers of clean cannabis: Jetty Extracts and Coastal Sun. These trailblazers are not just offering premium products but are also setting new industry standards for safety and sustainability. Here's a closer look at what makes these companies stand out and why their commitment to clean cannabis is more important than ever.
A Growing Concern
The recent exposé by the Los Angeles Times and WeekWeek uncovered alarming levels of pesticides in over 250,000 vapes and pre-rolled joints in California. The findings exceed state and, in some cases, federal risk thresholds, raising serious health concerns. The revelation has cast a shadow over an industry driven by rapid growth and innovation, but plagued by corner-cutting practices that jeopardize consumer safety.
With such widespread contamination, the focus has shifted to what consumers are actually buying and what measures are necessary to prevent such issues in the future. Enter Jetty Extracts and Coastal Sun, two companies leading the charge toward cleaner, safer cannabis.
Jetty Extracts: Setting the Standard
Jetty Extracts, co-founded by Ron Gershoni and Nate Ferguson, is at the forefront of the clean cannabis movement. The company is notable for its commitment to producing solventless, live resin, and high THC vapes made from sun-grown cannabis. Jetty Extracts is both OCAL and EnvirOganic certified, ensuring their products meet the highest standards for cleanliness and sustainability.
Ron Gershoni, Co-Founder and CEO of Jetty Extracts, emphasizes the importance of certifications like OCal. “We are setting a new standard for quality and safety in the cannabis industry,” Gershoni says. “Achieving OCal certification for our solventless vape is a testament to our dedication to providing consumers with pure, clean cannabis. It’s crucial that regulators step up their efforts to protect cannabis consumers. By leading the way with OCal certification, we’re not only prioritizing the health and well-being of our customers but also advocating for higher industry standards and accountability.”
Nate Ferguson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, adds, “Consumer safety has been a top priority of Jetty since the company’s inception. Jetty’s OCal certification is a testament to our consistent efforts to create the cleanest, most sustainable, and innovative products on the market. We are excited to give consumers visibility into what’s in, and not in, their cannabis products.”
Kate Ransom, Director of Marketing at Jetty Extracts, underscores the role of certifications in building consumer trust. “Certifications, such as OCal, play a vital role in building consumer trust. As brands face outdated regulations that fail to keep up with innovation, we must self-regulate, going above and beyond to establish standards that consumers can trust. By achieving OCal certification, we're not only providing a product that meets these high standards but also pushing for greater consumer safety across the cannabis sector.”
For more on Jetty Extracts and their commitment to clean cannabis, visit their official website or check out their Instagram for updates and product information.
Coastal Sun: A Commitment to Sustainability
Coastal Sun, founded with a dedication to biodiverse and sustainable farming practices, is another leader in the clean cannabis movement. Based in Santa Cruz, CA, Coastal Sun was the first to achieve USDA Organic, OCAL, and EnvirOganic certifications, aligning with their ethos of providing the safest and cleanest flower and pre-rolls available.
Darren Story, CFO of Coastal Sun, highlights the urgency of adopting clean practices. “Now is the time for our industry to rise above the practices which have become common in the food and drug manufacturing industries. We have to develop systemic approaches to wellness that heal our customers and set the bar for other industries to follow. Regenerative, organic growing practices should be the standard in cannabis, not the exception. As growers, we should be showing traditional ag farmers how to cultivate in harmony with nature and still be profitable.”
Coastal Sun's commitment to sustainable farming practices helps address several key issues:
- Pesticide Contamination: By avoiding harmful chemicals, Coastal Sun ensures their products are free from toxic residues.
- Health Risks: Clean practices reduce the long-term health risks associated with pesticide exposure.
- Environmental Impact: Sustainable farming helps protect and restore ecosystems.
- Consumer Trust: Certifications and transparency build trust and ensure product safety.
- Industry Standards: Leading by example encourages broader industry adoption of clean practices.
For more information about Coastal Sun and their organic offerings, visit their official website or follow them on Instagram.
The Path Forward
The findings from recent investigations serve as a wake-up call for the cannabis industry. With concerns about pesticide contamination at an all-time high, it's clear that the industry needs stricter regulations and better practices to ensure consumer safety. Companies like Jetty Extracts and Coastal Sun are leading by example, demonstrating that it is possible to prioritize both quality and sustainability.
As the industry evolves, it will be crucial for other brands to follow suit and adopt higher standards for safety and transparency. For now, Jetty Extracts and Coastal Sun are shining examples of how to achieve excellence in clean cannabis, setting a new bar for the industry and ensuring that consumers can enjoy their products with confidence.
For further reading on the issues discussed, visit Honeysuckle Magazine’s cannabis section for more articles and updates.
