One of the latest trends I’ve noticed online is that people are rolling up joints in rose petals. Rose petals? Really? Yes, rose petals.
Rose productions utilize many pesticides as this flower is normally associated with many pests. These guys come with all kinds of little pests. The rose attracts creepy crawling little creatures like Aphids, Spider Mites, Cane Borers, Caterpillars, Thrips, Rose Midge, and Beetles. Along with the insect entourage, if not grown with the right air flow and spacing roses can end up with fungal problems. Fungal problems include Powdery Mildew, Black Spot, and Downy Mildew. So… What’s used to take care of this stuff? Mostly Pesticides. Bad ones. And they come from the Cut Flower Industry.
Over 60% of the cut flowers sold in the US are imported from other countries that, in many cases, use very dangerous pesticides. Studies have been found scattered throughout time, starting in the 70’s, and have shown serious health complications for the individuals working within the rose production industry. Research published in the Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis journal found that DNA adducts, indicative of early-stage cancer, was present in 60 percent of longtime workers in the floriculturist industry. A 2003 study published in Mutation Research found that more than 71 percent of cut flower growers around the world show genetic damage.
So… With that being said… Know your grow, even if it’s a rose. Make sure it’s organic. If you won’t eat it, you shouldn’t dump it on your plants or wrap it around your joint. Just a thought.
