More than 10 strands of marijuana grown by Acme Healing Center have been ordered off shelves because of pesticide residues, but company representatives said Wednesday that’s because of “impossible” standards set by the state.

On Tuesday, the Colorado Department of Revenue issued a public health and safety advisory after an investigation by the Colorado Department of Agriculture found the presence of myclobutanil, a substance not on a state list of approved pesticides and considered a health threat if consumed.

Lynn Granger, director of communications for the Revenue Department, said Wednesday all marijuana in question at the growing facility in Ridgway is on an administrative hold, and any marijuana sent to dispensaries for sale has been flagged.

She encouraged customers who bought listed strains to return them to the location of purchase.

The advisory stems from an executive order Gov. John Hickenlooper signed in November declaring any marijuana grown with unapproved pesticides a threat to human health. Granger said Acme is under investigation, and if a violation occurred, administrative action could be taken.

Deana Sheriff, chief operations officer at the Acme facility in Ridgway, said the advisory is the latest in a battle between state regulators and the industry over the use of pesticides in growing cannabis. Acme has a retail shop in Durango.

“It makes it sound as if we’re poisoning people, and in fact, we’re not,” Sheriff said.

“Ridiculously nominal,” she said of the traces of pesticides. “Less than what you’d find on table grapes. But it’s because the executive order says zero tolerance, which is an impossible, absolutely impossible standard to try and meet.”

Sheriff said Acme uses organic processes, and the company believes compost purchased from a third party likely had grass clippings that had trace amounts of myclobutanil.

She said November’s executive order has set off a slew of unintentional consequences on the marijuana industry.

Since November, Granger said there have been about a dozen recalls, and since all investigations are ongoing, she could not comment further.

Hickenlooper’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the policy.

“This policy is absolutely absurd,” said Rachel Gillette, a Denver attorney who represents some marijuana growers.

Gillette cited several concerns, including the composite testing conducted at facilities, which make it difficult to pinpoint where contamination occurred and to contest findings later in investigations.

“There is a better way to test for pesticides to an extent that won’t force these companies to shut down or lay off employees,” she said. “But the state won’t engage in that.”

Because marijuana is illegal on the federal level, states cannot set appropriate levels of pesticide use, causing frustration among growers trying to ensure healthy yields and consumers concerned about safety.

Sheriff said a coalition of marijuana growers are considering a class-action lawsuit against the state.

jromeo@durangoherald.com

Strains recalled

Here are the strains of marijuana recalled as listed by the Colorado Department of Revenue:

Retail Marijuana Cultivation License 403R-00204

Cognac Kush

Cookie Monster 2/15/16

Grape Stomper

Killawatt

Papaya 2/15/16

Pineapple Express 2/15/16

Snowcap 2/15/16

Southern Charm 2/15/16

Strawberry Cough 2/15/16

Triangle Kush

Trinity 2/15/16