Pathogen from Santa Barbara County infects 90% of pot grows

May 26, 2023

By KAREN VELIE

An infectious pathogen expected to cause billions of dollars in damage to California’s cannabis industry was initially found to have infected plants at a Santa Barbara County pot farm. [SFGATE]

Currently, scientists believe the pathogen is present in more than 90% of the state’s pot farms. Hop-latent viroid, or HLVd, grows unnoticed until shortly before the harvest.

Infected plants then shrivel losing as much as 30% of plant weight. In addition, the pathogen also reduces the level of THC, the intoxicant in pot, greatly reducing the value of the crop.

In 2018, scientists sampled plants at a farm in Santa Barbara County and found that both symptomatic and non-symptomatic plants tested positive for the pathogen. HLVd is now spreading globally.

Early testing can help growers remove infected plants from their farms.

Subjects: pot

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Laughlines

05/26/2023 7:30 pm

This stuff is totally different from the weed of the 80s and 90s. The levels of THC are so high that there are definite links to paranoia and schizophrenia. But there’s a lot of money to be made, so it all goes down the memory hole.

sardonicsentiment

Reply to Laughlines

05/27/2023 7:59 am

Same as ANY medication/alcohol… If it’s there in the first place they bring it out. Not a CAUSE of said conditions.

slo-to-load

05/26/2023 4:47 pm

Oh no.

JThomas

05/26/2023 1:48 pm

Another reason California should make all pot illegal in California. Just love it.

sardonicsentiment

Reply to JThomas

05/27/2023 7:56 am

I think you’re in the wrong state… The exact opposite has occurred over the last decade. Also, wishing ill health on others with different values or opinions is pretty telling to your own :/

mazin

05/26/2023 12:15 pm

How is it spread? Via pruning? If so, prune away! MJ is junk for your body and mind. Need to relax? Red wine in moderation is better.

-18

sardonicsentiment

Reply to mazin

05/27/2023 7:54 am

What an antiquated opinion that is totally false lol

GreatGuy

05/26/2023 11:47 am

I’m glad to hear that the media and government officials are taking this problem seriously and that serious efforts are being made to eradicate the scourge. Officials can take a lead from the viticulture industry. (and let’s hope that the problem affecting commercial cannabis in California is not a matter of industrial sabotage.)