The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors has declared unanimously (5–0) a local emergency due to pervasive use of illegal, foreign-labeled pesticide fumigants at illicit cannabis cultivation sites throughout the unincorporated areas of the county.
The decision was made on July 1, as a response to growing threats to public health, first responders, waterways and the environment, caused by a rise in the use of highly toxic and unregistered pesticide products, most of which are labeled in Chinese and imported illegally. These chemicals, routinely found at illegal grow sites, include dangerous mixtures of insecticides (such as organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons), fungicides, and herbicides. When burned, they create thick, poisonous smoke that presents the serious risks. Many of them function as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, attacking the central nervous system in a way similar to chemical warfare nerve agents. The chemical containers also lack proper regulatory labeling and safety information which violates both state pesticide laws and federal anti-smuggling statutes.
Since 2023, Siskiyou County has conducted over 176 investigations, uncovering a vast and consistent pattern of illegal pesticide use at cannabis grow sites. According to the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), these chemicals have been found in 18 counties statewide, but Siskiyou County is leading the state in the number, variety and frequency of occurrences.
The proclamation directs Siskiyou County to form a multi-agency emergency response task force, pursue state and federal assistance and to launch public education campaigns in coordination with agencies such as CalEPA, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. EPA. As part of the emergency proclamation, the Board is also requesting that the Governor of California to issue a State of Emergency proclamation to support local mitigation and enforcement efforts.
