Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Ofc. Brian Webb, Marijuana Compliance Tea m Daniel Hahn , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Ofc. Rose Cabrera, PSU Volume 77
EXPOSURE CONCERNS WITH BANNED PESTICIDE FOUND IN CALIFORNIA
MARIJUANA GROWS
Recent reports from media outlets and law enforcement sources from California indicate an increase in
seizures of the pesticide carbofuran, discovered at outdoor marijuana cultiv ation sites on public lands. While
the pesticide is effectively banned in the United States, many of the products seized in California have been
imported by growers from Mexico. Carbofuran, commonly sold under the brand name Furadan, is intended for
use on crops. The pesticide is highly concentrated and can be lethal in very small amounts. According to
research , carbofuran was found to be present in 72 percent of the grow sites on public lands .
Traces of carbofuran have been discovered in marijuana gro wn at sites where evidence of the pesticide has
been found , but the impact on consumers remains unknown. Since 2014, numerous officers in California who
entered grow sites where this chemical was found reported side effects related to exposure , which incl uded
headaches, nausea and a burning sensation in the extremities. Some officers required medical attention after
exposure. Carbofuran is highly toxic to vertebrates – a quarter teaspoon (1 ml) is potentially fatal to humans.
Typically found in granular or liquid form, exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and contact with
the eyes or skin. The product is often pink in color and has been found in containers such as water bottles and
sprayers. The chemical may also be sprayed on the plants, w hich increases exposure risks during marijuana
eradication operations.
According to the Center s for Disease Control exposure to carbofuran may affect the central nervous system,
resulting in convulsions and may cause respiratory issues. The effects may be delayed and could result in
death. Symptoms may include dizziness, vomiting, difficulty breathing and muscle cramps. Proper use of
personal protection equipment such as gloves, safety glasses and breathing protection are recommended.
Avoid skin contac t and ash exposed skin with soap and water immediately after handling . Any exposure should
be medically evaluated or monitored.
DO NOT :
• Take work clothes home after exposure without proper cleaning to avoid accidental exposure to family
and pets.
• Use al cohol -based disinfecting hand cleaners – these only increase the absorption of the pesticide
across the skin.
Law enforcement agencies in Oregon , California, and Idaho continue to discover marijuana grows located on
public lands with similar chemicals. Caution should be taken when handling any chemical or substance found
within these types of cultivation sites . If chemicals and/or substances are contained and do not pose a current
safety risk to the officers and/or public, then the officer shall document and photograph the area when
appropriate. If the chemicals and/or substances are not contained , it is recommended that the officer not make
any attempt to handle and/or take possession of the products . The City of Sacramento Fire Department shall
be req ueste d to respond. Currently, there are no known criminal violations for possession of such products .
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Ofc. Brian Webb, Marijuana Compliance Tea m Daniel Hahn , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Ofc. Rose Cabrera, PSU Volume 77
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Ofc. Brian Webb, Marijuana Compliance Tea m Daniel Hahn , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Ofc. Rose Cabrera, PSU Volume 77
PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER OUTDOOR MARIJUANA CULTIVATIONS,
AS THESE CHEMICALS COULD BE PRESENT.
The abov e containers were repurposed to
mix/store Carbofuran at an illegal marijuana grow
site in Santa Barbara County, CA in 2018.
Growers may have covered the bottles in green
plastic to mark them as dangerous. • The bottle labeled Metafos 600 CE
contains Methy l Parathion which is a
highly potent organophosphorus based
pesticide, which is different from
Carbofuran .
• Be on the alert for pink -colored
liquids/solids as seen in the Aquafina
bottle containing a pink liquid .
• Be cautious with bug sprayers and
other ap plication equipment.
•