Is Spinosad Safe for Cannabis Cultivation?

Growers have always faced the challenge of dealing with unwanted pests in the garden. Through trial and error, our knowledge of preventative methods to keep insects away has increased significantly. Spinosad has been used widely since its development in the early 1980s and is a natural, sustainable solution for pest control in agriculture. Today, we explore all aspects of this organic insecticide and how it could benefit your cannabis plants.

Stop infestations before they start

It’s vital to take proactive measures to prevent pest infestations before it’s too late. By being proactive, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with these pesky critters and ensure your plants thrive. Maintaining a clean growing environment will also help avoid the spread of bacteria and fungal spores that can harm the plant’s roots, leaves, and flowers. Let’s review some fundamental tips to ensure your garden flourishes.

1. When you overwater your plants, clean up any excess water to prevent humidity from increasing. This can attract pests like thrips and fruit flies.
2. It’s important to use the correct pH level for your plants, with a target of around 5.8 to 6.2.
3. To prevent contamination, sanitize all your equipment with a solution of water and three percent hydrogen peroxide.
4. Put up sticky traps around the garden and monitor them closely for the presence of any unwanted insects.

If you do encounter any pest issues while cultivating your cannabis plants, a wide variety

measures can be taken to prevent an infestation. One effective organic solution to combat pests within your grow area is Spinosad. But what is it, and how do you use it? Let’s learn more!

A brief history of spinosad

Spinosad is a naturally occurring insecticide made through the fermentation of a soil bacterium called Saccharopolyspora Spinosa. This bacterium was found in earth samples collected from a rum distillery in the Caribbean in 1982. It consists of two active ingredients: Spinosyn A and Spinosyn. Thanks to its natural origin, Spinosad is also considered an environmentally friendly insecticide option that will not harm the ecosystem.

For over three decades, this organic insecticide has been used in agriculture to safeguard plants from insect infestations, particularly before the flowering stage, and ensure healthy yields. It is also effective in protecting pets and livestock from fleas. Furthermore, it has the potential to control the presence of mosquito larvae in water bodies, helping to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. So, let’s take a look at the pests that can be controlled with Spinosad in your garden:

• Aphids
• Caterpillars
• Grasshoppers
• Leafhoppers 
• Leaf miner larvae
• Spider mites
• Thrips 
• Whiteflies

Mastering the application

Spinosad is a potent insecticide that must be mixed with water before use. It is best used as a foliar spray to control insects on cannabis plants. Upon application, Spinosad spray attacks the nervous systems of insects, leading to their death within 48 hours of contact or ingestion. Spinosad insecticide has a short lifespan when exposed to UV light, lasting up to seven days. However, for indoor growers, residue may remain on the plants longer.

Homemade bug spray for marijuana plants

1. To use Spinosad to kill insects, mix it with water according to the instructions on the label and then apply it to your cannabis plants using a spray bottle. It will remain active for around 24 hours.
2. Cover all the leaves and stems thoroughly, and repeat the application every 7 to 10 days until your plants are pest-free!

Why is Spinosad banned in some places?

Spinosad is safe for mammals, fish, and birds, making it an ideal choice for home growers. However, in large commercial grows, it has been known to harm certain types of wasps and can damage the butterfly population by removing caterpillars from the ecosystem. If Spinosad is used during the flowering stage of commercial cannabis production, there is also a high chance that some residue will remain in the buds. 

As a result, there is an ongoing discussion in the cannabis industry regarding the suitability of using Spinosad in large-scale commercial cannabis cultivation. While some countries have prohibited its use, others regulate it, and whether it’s safe remains unanswered. Here is a brief list of countries that either prohibit or regulate the commercial use of Spinosad for cannabis cultivation.

• Spinosad has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA since 1997. However, it’s prohibited in several states, including Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Washington.
•  Throughout Canada, the Pest Management Agency is responsible for regulating Spinosad.
•  In Australia, Spinosad is regulated by the Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
•  In China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is in charge of regulating Spinosad.
•  The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply regulates its use in Brazil.

Spinosad: Do’s and Don’ts

Now that you’re familiar with spinosad and current regulations, let’s review some do’s and don’ts to help you maximize the benefits of insecticides with spinosad.

Do’s:

• It is important to apply the correct dosage while using any insecticide. Read the product label and follow the instructions mentioned for application.
• When applying the foliar spray, it is recommended to do so during cooler times of the day, like the early morning or evening, to help prevent damage to the plants due to the heat of light interacting with the solution.
• Before using any insecticides or insecticidal soaps, it is important to identify the type of pests that you have and research to see if Spinosad works best against those pests.
• To minimize the impact, apply the insecticide only to the affected areas.

Don’ts:

• Do not reapply; stick to the recommended rates to avoid harming your plants. 
• To prevent the accumulation of unwanted residue, it is recommended to refrain from using spinosad during the flowering stage.
• It’s not advised to incorporate chemical insecticides with organic methods.
• Although Spinosad is an organic and cannabis insect repellent, it’s not recommended for use on plants by commercial cannabis growers.

Four natural insecticides for cannabis

If you’re looking for the best bug spray for weed plants, check out our list of four natural pesticides for weed plants that can help keep those unwanted pests away.

1.   Neem oil

Neem oil is a hydrophobic extract of neem seeds and does not contain azadirachtin. However, it possesses insecticidal, fungicidal, and miticidal properties that can help to prevent the build-up of powdery mildew. Moreover, it can be more effective than most natural pesticides in fighting aphids and mites, making it a popular bug repellent for weed plants. To use neem oil, dilute it in water as directed on the label, usually one to two tablespoons per gallon of water. Spray onto leaves and stems and apply every week or two.

2.   Tomato leaves

Tomato leaves contain natural insecticides called solanine and tomatine. When crushed or steeped in water, the leaves release these active ingredients, which can help to prevent any common pests in your growing area. It’s another common bug spray for weed plants. To use tomato leaves as an insecticide, crush fresh leaves and steep them in water for 24 to 48 hours. Strain the mixture and transfer it to a spray bottle, then apply it to infected plants every few days.

3.   Neoseiulus Californicus

Neoseiulus californicus is a predatory mite that controls moderate to lower spider mites and other pest infestations. These mites thrive in environments with relative humidity levels of up to 60% and temperatures ranging from 65 to 95 °F. Their life cycle can last up to 14 days, and they can lay up to three eggs and consume more than 15 adult spider mites daily. They come in sachets, which can be easily hung from the lateral branches.

4.   Amblyseuis Swirskii

Amblyseius Swirskii is a predatory mite that was discovered in 1939. It attacks thrips by feeding on their young larvae and eggs. This mite thrives in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80°F and can tolerate relative humidity levels of up to 80%. Adults can live for up to one month and consume up to six adult thrips per day. It is recommended to use sachets containing 100 to 500 mites mixed with sawdust every two or three weeks by hanging them in the canopy.

FAQ

How long does Spinosad stay in plants?

Under direct sunlight, Spinosad stays on plants and leaves for 2 to 16 days. In water, Spionosad lasts less than one day.