Sheriff’s deputy falls ill after exposure to pesticides

MENDOCINO CO., 7/25/18 — A Mendocino County sheriff’s deputy was made ill earlier this month when he encountered the pesticide methamidophos during a raid near Branscomb. According to Lt. Shannon Barney of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, as of July 25, the deputy, “…is still being treated for the possible exposure and is currently off work. Long term condition is not yet know.” Barney could not elaborate due to privacy protections for medical conditions.

Asked for comment on these farming practices vice-chair of the California Growers Association, Casey O’Neill said, “There is no place for horrific pesticides in cultivation of a plant that is often used as medicine. The use of harmful pesticides is categorically unacceptable. Integrated pest management strategies are the appropriate methodologies for cannabis cultivation, with limited use of approved pesticides as a last resort.”