Lab tests of schwag

Northern Lab said:

We just completed our first round of purity and potency testing of street schwag, I will have a full write up done this week so everyone can take this info to their reps and senators in Lansing on the 7th.

As expected, there were lots of physical and chemical contaminants in all four of the samples. Not surprisingly, the cannabinoid levels were much lower than most medical grade cannabis, ranging from approximately 6-11% THC. Under a visual exam, we found evidence of mold and what appeared to be dirt or insect fecal particles in at least two of the four samples.

The big thing was the large amount of pesticides present in all the samples, some as high as 600 parts per million. All the pesticides we detected were present at levels 10-1000 times the tolerance levels established for food crops. Folks, please don't use this stuff, it is likely doing you more harm than good.

If anyone is interested in submitting samples (free of charge, of course) for the second edition of the Schwag Report, contact me or Bri and we'll make arrangements.

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The three primary pesticides we detected were Permethrins, Cypermethrins, and beta-Cyluthrin.

Because some of the concentrations were as high as 600+ ppm, I wonder if some of this cannabis was sprayed with insecticide post harvest. Again, there is no way to tell, but 600 ppm of any of those substances is quite alarming.

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LongHairBri, on 30 August 2011 - 08:06 AM, said:
that's the thing too. the "regs" quality is up lately. the samples I submitted were green and crystally. they were compressed buds but NOT the dirty brick weed I remember. seems they step up their game here.

I may have to get some sent to me from Louisanna or Texas. they don't have medical use and are closer to the source. thats the only times I've ever quit using was working down south. I'd rather do without than smoke rope!
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The samples actually looked pretty good under the scope, despite the contaminants. There were lots of trichomes, and very few, if any, seeds. I think you're right that they have stepped up their quality somewhat, it definitely looks better than the stuff I remember from my 20s.

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maybe4sure said:

BTW, they should also test Beasters in addition to schwag

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I appreciate the information and look forward to your full report, however, i would need some valid comparators to be able to make any value judgements. Your test results for Cali' OD imports, local "corn" weed, and similarly priced (and as poorly grown) dispensary meds would allow the reader to bracket, rather than brand the low-end alternatives.
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I agree with that. This is just the beginning of our research on the subject. I wish we had a better idea of where this commercial product is coming from, but it's nearly impossible to find out - for obvious reasons.

I have performed pesticide tests on a number of dispensary and CG sourced meds, and they have all been very visually clean and 100% free of the pesticides we test for. Of course, the folks that have the pesticide test run already know that we're not going to see anything in their meds, because they don't use pesticides. They do it because they want proof of their claims for everyone to see.

For our next couple of rounds of the Schwag Report we will seriously consider including those other meds you mention in our screening.

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