When an activist in the cannabis community becomes informed, they soon realize who the biggest opponent of cannabis freedom is — the government.
Then begins the realization that there are other groups fighting the legalization of cannabis and industrial hemp. Petrochemical companies, big pharmaceuticals, the lumber industry, plastic and nylon producers and law enforcement, to name a few of those opposed.
True activists search out the truth, becoming more educated on the organizations in opposition to legalization and their agendas.
The Monsanto Company is an American agricultural biotechnology corporation with a controversial history for their work in agriculture, government lobbying and general practices.
Monsanto genetically modifies fruits and vegetables that are regularly approved as safe for consumption.
There are reports circulating that Monsanto have genetically modified cannabis, but, at this point, it remains speculation.
Monsanto officially states that “it has not and is not working on GMO marijuana,” calling the allegations an “Internet rumor and lie.”
However, with the cannabis industry predicted to generate billions by 2020, becoming one of the largest agricultural operations in the nation, it’s doubtful that companies like Monsanto are simply waiting for governments to legalize cannabis.
But, I don’t want to talk about what companies may be doing, I want to inform on what they are doing — focusing on how Monsanto and other companies are already involved with medical cannabis in Canada.
As stated in section 54 of the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations, “marijuana must not be treated—before, during or after the drying process—with a pest control product unless the product is registered for use on marijuana under the Pest Control Products Act or is otherwise authorized for use under that Act.”
Health Canada currently approves seven pesticides for use on medical cannabis:
- MilStop Foliar Fungicide
- Actinovate SP Fungicide
- Opal Insecticidal Soap
- Neudosan Commercial
- Kopa Insecticidal Soap
- Rootshield HC Biological Fungicide Wettable Powder
- Rootshield WP Biological Fungicide
These pesticides and fungicides have been approved and designed for edible consumption. There has been no testing done on the presence of these chemicals when the product they are applied to is ignited or inhaled, as cannabis is frequently used.
Along with 15 per cent “other ingredients,” MilStop Foliar Fungicide lists its main ingredient (85 per cent) as the chemical potassium bicarbonate.
Potassium bicarbonate is dangerous when heated and inhaled and can cause serious side effects such as confusion, uneven heartbeat, severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and anxiety.
Kopa insecticidal soap is 47 per cent potassium salts of fatty acids, a substance scientists note “cause reproductive and developmental effects when administered to laboratory animals at high doses.”
Actinovate SP Fungicide, a Monsanto product, lists its active ingredients as 0.0371 per cent Streptomyces and a whopping 99.9629 per cent “other ingredients.”
Large producers are required to self-test their cannabis, which I don’t trust, as their testing still resulted in five recalls of their products to date.
But you cannot test for anything listed as “other ingredients” nor can anyone know at this time what side-effects the ignition and inhalation of “unknown ingredients” (along with “known” ingredients) could cause, even in minuscule amounts.
Producers are allowed to spray these chemicals on their crops in the flowering stage, right up until harvest.
Any readers that grow, have grown, or know how to grow cannabis successfully are aware that skilled cultivators will not spray cannabis while flowering.
Large producers should not be allowed to spray any of these chemicals on flowering cannabis until testing has been completed.
This chemical-treated cannabis is going to medical patients with lowered immune systems, respiratory problems, and a list of other complications, with Health Canada‘s approval.
Government licensed cannabis should be tested by unbiased, independent third-parties, as it’s the only way to truly know what’s in it.
I have lived through the history of cannabis in Canada, watching Big Pharma, Health Canada, the government, and all the rest, who have still not got growing right.
I don’t trust them or Monsanto and I don’t think we should, especially with full monopoly control over our cannabis.
And while the LPees, and even some in the cannabis community, continue to say that cannabis is grown by gangsters and goons to further push public opinion into the acceptance of a monopoly controlled corporation, these same operations are using harmful chemical sprays on their plants.
Who do you trust ?