California Regulators Destroy Pesticide-Contaminated Hemp

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) recently announced the destruction of hemp grown in 22 greenhouses in Sutter County after an investigation found illegal pesticide residue on the plants. This development comes amid a series of product recalls in the regulated cannabis market, highlighting ongoing concerns about consumer safety and regulatory oversight.

The investigation, led by the Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner (CAC), began with a routine inspection of greenhouses operated by Bin Zheng in May 2024. Subsequent testing by the California Department of Food and Agriculture confirmed improper pesticide use on the hemp, which could have reached the market had it not been destroyed.

DPR worked with the Sutter CAC to ensure the contaminated product was voluntarily destroyed under strict oversight in July 2024. Additionally, Bin Zheng was fined and issued a Notice of Proposed Action for violating pesticide label requirements that prohibit its use on hemp.

It is unclear if the destroyed hemp was being grown for a specific brand or product, though due to the difference in how hemp and cannabis are treated under federal law, many hemp cultivation facilities in the U.S. sell hemp “biomass” across state lines for chemical processing into CBD as well as intoxicating THC variants like delta-8 THC, THCO, and delta-10 THC (which purveyors claim are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, despite the DEA’s opposite stance). These processed cannabinoids are then re-sold to brands to create products such as gummies and vape products that are sold online, typically with little to zero regulatory oversight.

In a statement, DPR Director Julie Henderson emphasized the importance of prompt enforcement to safeguard public health and the environment. “This action demonstrates California’s commitment to a strong pesticide regulatory program,” she said. This development follows numerous recent cannabis recalls in California, where pesticide misuse and falsification of lab reports have been prominent issues.