A bill to stop illicit marijuana growth on federal lands has been reintroduced by bipartisan congressional legislators. It is a way for the federal government to help protect consumers from banned pesticides, which are commonly used in unregulated cannabis cultivation.
Although it might seem that there is an additional federal effort to curb illegal cannabis production, Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA), stated on Thursday that the main purpose of the Targeting and Offsetting Illegal Contaminants Act (TOXIC Act) was consumer safety and protection.
Unknowingly, marijuana should not be consumed by anyone who isn’t aware it has been contaminated with banned or dangerous pesticides.
That’s why @RepLaMalfa introduced the TOXIC Act in an effort to stop illegal, cartel-linked operations on federal lands. https://t.co/d8tv6yERL6
Rep. Scott Peters (@RepScottPeters March 9, 2023
The congressman stated that no buyer should unknowingly consume marijuana contaminated with dangerous, banned pesticides. “That’s why I and [Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-CA] introduced the TOXIC Act in an effort to end illegal, cartel-linked cultivation operations on federal lands.
He stated that the effects of the land’s destruction go beyond the user and endanger multiple species. They also pose a threat to Forest Service agents, who are charged with clearing these lands.
Read more about our bill here: https://t.co/3WcRd5my5z
Rep. Scott Peters (@RepScottPeters March 9, 2023
Advocates, industry stakeholders, and regulators all share a concern about the environment caused by illicit grows. These illegal pesticides can pollute water and soil, and even poison wildlife.
Advocates have maintained for years that regulated cannabis markets are better for consumers. Products must be subject to testing and other compliance policies.
Both Peters and LaMalfa represent California, where illegal cultivation continues to be a problem despite legalization.
The majority of California’s localities have banned at least certain types of marijuana businesses in their area. There is also an extensive network of public lands that illicit growers can use to hide their activities. This has led to continued demand for illegal products.
LaMalfa is not a fan of cannabis. even posted a famous video of him bulldozing illegal crops along with law enforcement in California in 2021. In a press release, he stated that the legislation was intended to protect consumers from exposure to banned pesticides.
Toxic Act, which was not passed last session, offers a two-tiered solution to the problem. The bill would provide funding of up to $250,000,000 for the U.S. Forest Service over five years. This money will be used to repair areas where banned pesticides were used in unsanctioned cannabis cultivation, and to increase criminal penalties for those who used them.
It would also increase criminal sanctions for illegal use of pesticides for marijuana plants.
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The Congressional legislators have also sought funding for remediation efforts in relation to illegal marijuana grow in appropriations, and defense legislation. For example, last year, Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), proposed an amendment to the defense bill that would allow for federal, state and tribal collaboration to address remediation on lands damaged by illegal cannabis cultivation.
Officials in California announced at the state level that they are inviting concept proposals for a program to assist small marijuana growers with environmental cleanup and restoration.
The federal Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS), stated last month that high costs for marijuana business licensing in California contribute to illegal grow sites where unauthorized chemicals and are being used. This is threatening species of spotted Owls.
California officials announced separately last month that they are launching a grant program for cities and counties to help them establish local cannabis business licensing programs. This will address unmet consumer demand, and help curb the illegal market.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) Local Jurisdiction retail access grant will provide $20 million funding to localities in the state. It is aimed at those areas where surveys indicate a disconnect between availability of licensed retailers, and the rates of cannabis use among adult users.
California legislators passed and signed a bill last year to combat the illegal market. It included the elimination state’s cannabis cultivation taxes.
Also last year, a pair of GOP congressional lawmakers asked key cabinet officials in the Biden administration to study the environmental impacts of marijuana cultivation–acknowledging both the intensive electrical demand that growing cannabis can involve as well as the role that legalization can play in setting regulations for the plant.
Maryland House approves bill to regulate marijuana sales as senators hold hearing on companion version
Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The post Congressional Bill Punishing Illegal Marijuana Growths Aims to Protect Consumers From Pesticides Sponsors Say originally appeared on Marijuana moment.
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