forest Archives - Marijuana Impact Group

Marijuana Grows Sites: Chemical contaminants linger in soil

Dale — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:35:58 +0000

A recent research paper examined illegal trespass cannabis grows on public forest lands and found that pesticides, banned hazardous chemicals, and other contaminants used by growers were still detectable in the soil up to 24 months after growing had ceased. The use of these contaminants on our public lands poses an imminent environmental and public health threat.

The researchers (Black, G et.al.) examined several historic illicit cannabis cultivation sites located on U.S. Forest land in California. The goal was to obtain samples of topsoil and sediments from streambeds to assess the residual presence of contaminants used during these illegal growing operations. In all, over 200 chemical contaminants were detected in the samples because growers applied toxic substances to the cannabis crop during their growing season. Of additional concern is these same plants exposed to chemicals enter the public use market where these toxins are consumed during use.

Some contaminants were detected as recent as 8 months after the growing had stopped, while of samples were still present 2 years after the last grow operation. Examples of the contaminants detected included pesticides, fungicides, plasticizers (from PVC piping), and even cannabinoids from the cannabis plants. Also detected in the samples were pharmaceuticals such as anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatories, and prescription sleep aids. Also “personal care” products constituents were detected.

The content of this research project is well worth the time to read as an educational tool.

Read Time: ~15 minutes

Photo: Integral Ecology Research Center (IERC)

Banned chemicals depicted in IERC photo were recovered from trespass cannabis grow on U.S. Forest Land

ACCESS STUDY HERE

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Midwest Impact Report, 2024

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:56:02 +0000

The Midwest HIDTA’s seven-state area consists of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the three Illinois counties of Madison, Rock Island, and St. Clair. The region spans over 428,000 square miles, encompasses 73 HIDTA-designated counties, and is considered the largest of the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s 33 HIDTA regions. It is as varied as it is vast, and incorporates major urban cities, separated by suburban sprawl and rural countryside. Within the Midwest HIDTA are more than 4,300 miles of interstate highways and an international border stretching over 300 miles. Its central location and intertwining roadways, make the region ideal for drug trafficking organizations and criminals’ intent on transporting drugs into or through to other destinations.