A brief summary of common pests and diseases that affect cannabis plants. Insects, aphids, molds, viruses...we have lots of potential enemies for our plants, and managing them properly is a key factor for a successful crop. Learn everything you need to prevent and eradicate these annoying guests.
Prevention and management of pests in cannabis
Prevention is the first line of defence against pests and diseases in cannabis cultivation. Effective management involves constant monitoring and maintaining a clean, controlled environment, which significantly reduces the risk of infestations. Preventative methods include physical barriers such as protective netting or sticky traps, or the introduction of beneficial insects that naturally regulate pest populations.
Preventive products based on essential oils, plant extracts, or biological compounds are also highly effective. Practices such as crop rotation, removal of plant residues, and control of humidity and temperature are crucial to keeping plants healthy and preventing the spread of insects and fungi. Good preventative management reduces the need for more aggressive treatments and is the obvious choice. It's far easier to prevent a pest than to eradicate one!
Insecticide products for cannabis cultivation
Insecticides are specifically designed to eliminate pests that affect cannabis plants, such as spider mites, aphids, thrips, and whiteflies. There are two main types: chemical insecticides, which act quickly but may leave residues, and biological or natural insecticides, which tend to be gentler and more environmentally and consumer-friendly.
Among the most popular biological insecticides are neem oil, a natural product that works both preventively and curatively, and potassium soap, which effectively eliminates soft-bodied insects without harming the plants. Insecticides should always be applied with care, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and ensuring the correct doses to prevent pests from developing resistance or negatively impacting plant development.
Some of the best insecticides available on our website include:
Additionally, as mentioned, you can opt for biological control by releasing beneficial insects onto your plants to protect them and keep away pests like spider mites, thrips, or aphids. This 100% organic and eco-friendly option is ideal if you're concerned about using pesticides in your growing environment. Some available options on our website include:
Fungicide products for cannabis growing
Fungicides are used to combat fungi and moulds that can severely impact cannabis cultivation, especially in environments with high humidity or poor ventilation. Diseases such as powdery mildew (white mould), botrytis (grey mould), and fusarium can emerge at different stages of the growing cycle, from rooting to flowering.
There are preventive fungicides, which are applied before the disease appears, and curative fungicides, which work after the plant has been infected. As with insecticides, it is important to choose products that are safe for the end user, particularly when the cannabis is intended for therapeutic use. Biological fungicides, such as horsetail, cinnamon, or nettle meal, are excellent options to keep your cultivation free of disease without compromising the quality of your flowers.
Some of our most popular fungicides include:
Safety and harvesting times
Adhering to the safety periods indicated in the product instructions is crucial when using plant protection products. This period refers to the minimum time that must pass between the last application and the harvesting of the plants. It ensures that any residues from the product have fully degraded and are not present in the buds at the time of consumption. Failing to observe these timelines can pose health risks to consumers, especially if the chemicals have not had enough time to decompose.
Therefore, it is vital to carefully read the instructions for all plant protection products and ensure that harvesting is done when the plant is entirely free of hazardous residues. Additionally, using certified products and, wherever possible, opting for natural or biological solutions can help minimise risks.