Pesticide Residues in Available Cannabis Products in New Jersey
Maya Holmes
Co-Presenters: Moad Abusharia, Katherine Rodriguez
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Biology
Faculty Research Mentor: Mingjing Sun
Abstract:
When legal cannabis arrived in New Jersey, regulations on its production and sale were also established. This includes limits on pesticide residues that may be harmful to humans. Pesticide exposure can cause gastrointestinal issues, irritation of the lungs, headache and fatigue, and in extreme cases, cause cancer. The NJ CRC places limits on the following pesticides: Abamectin, Acetamiprid, Dichlorvos (DDVP), Imidacloprid, Naled, Paclobutrazol, Permethrin, Phosmet, Spinosad, Spiromesifen, Thiacloprid, Trifloxystrobin and others. We will develop standards for separation of these pesticides selected for monitoring using Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry and test a variety of cannabis products available for sale in New Jersey through in person and online sales. Results from these tests will allow us to evaluate producers on their adherence to state guidelines regarding pesticide content in cannabis products.