Which Pesticides Can I Use on Cannabis in California?
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The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) develops guidelines for the use of pesticides in cannabis cultivation.
What Pesticide Products Can I Use for Cannabis Cultivation?
To assist cannabis growers and licensed pesticide applicators in identifying options for pest management, including which pesticides meet California guidelines and can be applied for growing cannabis, DPR has developed a resource list of products that meet California’s criteria for use. The list was developed using other state lists as guidance. Products were assessed by DPR to determine if they met the legal use criteria.
The list includes 260 products vetted to see if they meet California’s legal use criteria. As of Dec. 2024 the list includes about 100 pesticide products that meet California’s criteria for legal use on cannabis.
List of Products Assessed for Use on Cannabis, PDF
List of Products Assessed for Use on Cannabis, Excel
Products included on this list have been scientifically reviewed by U.S. EPA and DPR for human health and environmental impacts and registered for use on similar crops, but not specifically for cannabis.
The products on this list are exempt from tolerances set by U.S. EPA, which means U.S. EPA does not consider residue from these pesticides on crops or commodities to be a human health or environmental risk. DPR considers these pesticides reduced-risk pesticides when used to manage pests on crops or commodities.
The list is not a recommendation, nor is it a complete list of all possible products: This list is not an endorsement or recommendation to use these products in the production of cannabis, nor is it an exhaustive list of all products that may meet California’s use criteria.
Products exempt from registration are not included on this list: Products exempt from registration under FIFRA 25(b) and 3 CCR 6147 (25(b) products) are not scientifically reviewed by DPR and will not be included in the list, though they may meet the criteria for use in California.
Adding or Removing a Product
To request that a product be added to the list, submit an email request including the name and EPA registration number of the product to cannabis@cdpr.ca.gov. DPR will review and provide a response to requests within 21 business days.
Products will remain on the list unless they no longer meet the legal use criteria. Note to Registrants and Distributors: Advertisements are not allowed: The list identifies products that can legally be applied to cannabis because they meet specific criteria. However, it is a violation of state and federal law to advertise a product for a use not identified on the label. Since the crop “cannabis” does not appear on the product label, it is unlawful to market a product for use on cannabis.
Pesticide Residue Testing
Cannabis and cannabis products must undergo pesticide residue testing by a DCC licensed laboratory before products are sold. Allowable residue levels are established in DCC regulations based on recommendations from DPR and other sources.
The use of pesticide products that meet California’s use criteria may still result in residue test failures due to use rates, the time of application (during growing or harvest), and other application and agronomic factors. It is the responsibility of the applicator to be knowledgeable about application rates and residues, and to understand pesticide application laws and regulations and DCC pesticide testing requirements.
Visit DCC’s website for more information, including testing requirements for pesticides on cannabis and cannabis products.
State Cannabis Pesticide Testing Requirements
What if I have pesticide questions?
The county agricultural commissioner (CAC) is responsible for regulating pesticides in your county. You should contact your CAC with pesticide-related questions.
Do I need a license to apply pesticides at my own cultivation?
Most cannabis growers are not required to become licensed pesticide applicators. However, some exceptions apply.
For information on getting licensed, please contact Scott Thomsen at (916) 603-7793.
Pesticide safety poster for cannabis growers
For more information, please contact:
Rachel Kubiak, Cannabis Program Supervisor
Phone: (916) 445-5010
E-mail: Rachel.Kubiak@cdpr.ca.gov