Carbofuran: Illegal Marijuana Pesticides
Do not smoke weed from your “Cali Hook-up” !
McGregor Scott of the United States Attorney has made it clear over the weekend that he, along with the U.S and state officials plan to crack down on the marijuana black market in California. Scott plans using a substantial $2.5 million in federal money to target illegal grows in the state of California.While it may come to a surprise to you, just over 72 percent of illegal grow sites that were seized this past year in California were traced with using the illegal pesticide, Carbofuran. Carbofuran is a highly toxic and banned pesticide in the United States. It is terrible to ingest by humans, it is also an increasing threat to the water, wildlife in these areas.
Scott says,
“The reality of the situation is there is so much black market marijuana in California that we could use all of our resources going after just the black market and never get there." "So for right now, our priorities are to focus on what have been historically our federal law enforcement priorities: interstate trafficking, organized crime and the federal public lands."
So just how sketchy is using Carbofuran?
- The chemical was found at 72 percent of grow sites last year, up from 15 percent in 2012.
- Most illegal grow operations are found within California's national forests.
- About 60 percent of California's water supply flows through national forests.
- Researchers found that 40 percent of water samples downstream from illegal grows are contaminated with Carbofuran.
- A quarter of a teaspoon of concentrate Carbofuran can kill a 300-pound (136-kilogram) bear
- Most of the product grown in California makes its way to the Midwest into the East.
- Huge quantities are hitting the black markets across our nation, becoming a larger problem than expected.
The drug is used in such small dosages that when brought to an isolated location in California, it is almost impossible to track down. There has been instances of smuggling from Mexico to California, officials believe this is where the trading is going on. It is important to remember that just because weed is a "natural plant" make sure you know where you are getting your next batch.