Colorado Cracking Down On Pot Pesticides

DENVER (AP) - Colorado is planning to crack down on pesticide use in the pot industry after thousands of plants have been found treated with unauthorized chemicals.

A legislative panel voted Friday to give the state Department of Agriculture $300,000 to step up pesticide enforcement in the new marijuana industry.

The vote came after Denver authorities identified tens of thousands of marijuana plants possibly treated with unapproved pesticides. At least 11 Denver pot-growing facilities have been ordered to place plants "on hold," meaning the pot can't be sold. In some cases health authorities say the plants were treated with chemicals not suitable for human consumption.

Colorado outlines which chemicals commercial pot growers can use on their plants. But enforcement of the regulations is spotty, relying mostly on local health authorities.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)