diff --git a/code/datums/elements/plant_backfire.dm b/code/datums/elements/plant_backfire.dm
index 512cfd0b613..f753947e9ea 100644
--- a/code/datums/elements/plant_backfire.dm
+++ b/code/datums/elements/plant_backfire.dm
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@
 
 	if(plant_safety_check(source, user))
 		return
+	
 	SEND_SIGNAL(source, COMSIG_PLANT_ON_BACKFIRE, user)
 	if(cancel_action)
 		return COMPONENT_CANCEL_ATTACK_CHAIN
@@ -89,6 +90,9 @@
 	if(!istype(user))
 		return TRUE
 
+	if(istype(source, /obj/item/tk_grab)) // since we aren't actually touching the plant
+		return TRUE
+
 	if(HAS_TRAIT(user, TRAIT_PLANT_SAFE))
 		return TRUE