Dangers of Using Synthetic Growth Regulators in Cannabis Cultivation

Take a closer look at the buds shown in the image above. You may notice their unusual, very dense texture, making them look more like clumps of greenery than healthy flowers, as well as the pale tint of their surface. This example clearly illustrates the kind of buds that cannabis plants can produce when heavily treated with synthetic growth regulators (PGRs) during maturation.

What Are Synthetic Growth Regulators (PGRs)?

Synthetic growth regulators, or PGRs, are artificial, concentrated forms of plant hormones used in the cultivation of various crops. They significantly speed up the maturation process, resulting in very dense and compact flowers or fruits. PGRs have been used in agriculture since the early 20th century, when such chemicals first appeared on the open market.

In cannabis cultivation and other commercial crops, two main types of PGRs are commonly used:

• Paclobutrazol (Paclo): Stimulates the growth and development of flowers while inhibiting stem development. It also acts as a fungicide.
• Daminozide (also known as Alar): Sprayed on flowers and fruits to stimulate growth, specifically to increase mass.

Currently, these chemicals are still widely used worldwide for cultivating lawns (to keep grass green and lush while limiting growth) and ornamental plants (to quickly produce uniform, large flowers). However, many countries have banned their use on food crops for humans and livestock due to potential health risks from residual chemicals. For example, both the USA and European countries banned PGRs on food crops back in the 1980s, citing carcinogenic effects even at low concentrations and their ability to quickly damage liver tissue in humans and other mammals.

How to Identify Buds Treated with Dangerous Growth Regulators

• Buds are covered with a dense carpet of orange stigmas formed under the influence of PGRs.
• The surface of the buds has a pale orange tint with occasional pale green spots.
• After drying and curing, treated buds acquire a monotonous, dark brown color, as if they were steamed.
• Despite the abundance of stigmas, there are almost no visible trichomes (shiny hairs covered with cannabinoid crystals) on the surface.
• Buds are unnaturally dense and compact.
• Buds are small and extremely compact, resembling nuts more than cannabis flowers.
• Flowers have an almost perfectly smooth surface, as if vacuum-packed.
• The product feels porous and spongy to the touch.
• Buds have little to no noticeable aroma.

Of course, some strains or flowers processed for storage may show some of these traits. However, the presence of most of these factors strongly suggests the use of synthetic hormones. The more PGRs used, the more pronounced these markers will be.

Commercial Risks and Scandals

Unfortunately, with the legalization of cannabis in some countries, the commercial market has seen a serious problem with these dangerous additives. For example, in 2011, California experienced its first major product recall after state agricultural experts found traces of banned PGRs in popular commercial fertilizers, including products from Bushmaster, Top Load, Gravity, Phosphoload, and Flower Master.

Despite changes in fertilizer formulations, the risk of PGR contamination remains high in the US and worldwide. Companies can still omit “trace ingredients” from product labels, and some commercial growers may use dangerous chemicals to boost yields. As a result, new scandals over the use of synthetic hormones in plant production continue to emerge regularly.

Natural vs. Synthetic Growth Regulators

Currently, science cannot say for certain how safe natural plant growth hormones found in cannabis tissues are for human health. They are certainly less dangerous and do not cause the described plant deformities, but some medical professionals suspect they may have similar harmful effects. Natural PGRs include ground seaweed, which has been used as a universal fertilizer for thousands of years worldwide, from Japan to the Americas.

Various types of seaweed, ground alfalfa shoots, and other plant-based PGRs have long been used in agriculture. So far, they have not been found to have the carcinogenic or mutagenic properties of synthetic growth hormones, which is a strong argument for their safety in cannabis cultivation.

Are Dense, Compact Buds Always a Sign of PGR Use?

No. This factor alone does not mean that dangerous synthetic PGRs were used. As mentioned earlier, many cannabis strains can naturally produce dense, compact flowers, as well as buds with weak aroma, pale colors, or a dense layer of stigmas. The clear marker of PGR presence is a combination of the previously mentioned factors, not just one or two traits.

How to Avoid Synthetic Growth Regulators in Fertilizers

Since companies can bypass regulations by omitting “trace ingredients” from product labels, it’s best to use only trusted fertilizers from large, reputable brands. While even these companies may have previously included PGRs in their formulas, political and public pressure has led them to remove such chemicals. Smaller companies and generic brands may still unofficially add these substances to improve their products.

To protect yourself and your plants from synthetic PGRs, follow these recommendations when buying fertilizers:

• Carefully review the company’s product formulations, history, and reputation. Avoid generic and little-known brands that can’t be easily checked.
• If possible, contact the company’s support team. Reliable companies can provide detailed information about their products and safety measures.
• Avoid products marketed as growth inhibitors or as boosters for fruit/flower density and compactness. This may indicate the presence of Paclobutrazol or Alar.
• Consider using only natural fertilizers, such as compost or natural PGRs, to achieve dense, heavy yields without the risk of contamination.

By using natural cultivation techniques like super compost, you can completely avoid the risk of synthetic PGR contamination in your plants.

Original author: Nebula Haze