Maryland Cannabis Administration

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 Pesticide Application

​ Use of Pesticides on Medical Cannabis in Maryland 


Use of specified pesticides allowed in the cultivation of medical cannabis
  

The Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Commission Reform Act (the “Act”), Chapter 598 of the Acts of 2018, permits the use of specified crop protection agents (e.g., pesticides) in the cultivation of medical cannabis. The Act requires the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in consultation with the MMCC, to develop emergency regulations allowing for the registration and use of certain pesticides as part of an integrated pest management plan.

The MDA issued emergency regulations, effective July 6, 2018, permitting the use of specified pesticides in the cultivation of medical cannabis. The list of pesticides allowed in the cultivation of medical cannabis can be found on the MDA website​​​​​​​.​ The emergency regulations are set to expire 120 days from the effective date. A proposed regulation, subject to public notice and comment, is scheduled to replace the emergency regulations.   

Summary of Regulation

The emergency regulations prohibit the use of a pesticide unless the pesticide is labeled for use in a greenhouse environment, and:

  • Is formulated with inert and active ingredients in federal regulations regarding minimum risk pesticides;
  • Is exempt from specified federal food residue tolerance requirements;
  • Meets specified federal criteria for organic food production; or
  • Is allowed by EPA by pesticide label language that is broad enough to include use on medical cannabis, as determined by the Department.

Questions related to the application of any pesticide in the cultivation of medical cannabis should be directed to the Maryland Department of Agriculture:

Pesticide Regulation at (410) 841-5710

State Chemist at (410) 841-2721

More Information

Please find the statutory provisions permitting the use of specific crop protection agents in Section 11 of Chapter 598 of the Acts of 2018, available here.

The emergency regulations may be viewed here.

A summary of the emergency regulations may be viewed here.

Last Updated 7/11/18

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