Why Do You Need to Learn About Cannabis Decontamination

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Whenever the word “medical marijuana” appears online or in any newspaper, the topic of debate usually happens to be medical benefits or the possible adverse effects that get you high. But, the same product comes with the dangers of pest, mold (yeast) infestations, or the use of pesticides. Cannabis is an agricultural product. No one can predict the outcome, no matter how vigilant you were during the entire growing process. So, the chances of contamination are usually higher as well.

However, with product recalls making headlines, consumers are demanding for quality cannabis products. To solve this graving issue, many states where cannabis is legal introduced different measures to pass specific tests before releasing the strains or marijuana products to the market. While the criteria might vary within different states, most of these tests look for the microbiome, pesticides, or different kinds of heavy metals. Hence, growers are left with no choice but to decontaminate their product before sending it for final purchase.

Cannabis Decontamination- A Technique to Deliver Clean Cannabis

As we already mentioned before, cannabis can fail a contamination test if it contains higher levels of microbial, heavy metals, or pesticides. For instance, there is a risk of aspergillus or bile-tolerant bacterias along with powdery mildew mold. All of these can pose a severe effect on human health, especially if their upper airways or immune system is profoundly compromised. There are different decontamination techniques available that you can choose from.

Autoclave

It uses heat and pressure to kill germs. It is an effective and reasonable option available. But, it is a time-consuming project where large batches cannot be processed. Also, it increases the chances of mold infestation. Again, it might cause decarboxylation and might change the physical properties of cannabis.

Dry Heat

It is one of the most inexpensive methods and has no issues of mold or yeast infestations as well. But, this method would most likely ruin your product.

Gamma Ray Radiation

It reduces the microbial growth in plants without affecting the plant’s potency at all. This is a fast and secure method that does not pose any threat to the terpenes. However, the ions used can be cancer-causing.

Gas Treatment

This is also an inexpensive but time-consuming process. The gases used might be toxic to humans if not handled carefully. A famous brand, Willow industries found a solution to either reduce or eliminate the concentration of microbial contamination. And guess what it will not reduce the potency of the treated flowers. The solution uses a USDA/EPA approved ozone gas to destroy any microbial decontamination. The same helped to maintain the plant’s essential ingredients, including terpenes, potency, color, as well as taste.

Microwave

This method is readily available without the issues of any chemicals or ions that might degrade the plant’s potency. However, if you don’t handle them right heating conditions, it might burn your product that could damage terpenes. Hence, significantly reducing quality.

Radiofrequency

It is an organic and non-toxic method. One can scale it for large cultivators with the same effectiveness. Also, this treatment is pretty fast. The cultivators will not face any issues in terms of loss of potency or decarboxylation. It is one of the best methods to use for products meant for consumption.

Cannabis Remediation- An Alternative Approach

Many manufacturers convert their harvested flowers into concentrates. It is a process that helps them get rid of any microbial contaminants. This is a reliable method from the customer’s point of view. However, it hurts them financially, as flowers always sell at a higher price. The difference might vary within states. But, the margin does not change. Remedial products have lesser profits as compared to flowers. Also, the options for remediation is limited. So, instead of going this way, cultivators are relying on decontamination techniques.

Why Should Cultivators Opt For Cannabis Decontamination?

As discussed above, cultivators lose a lot of capital with strategies other than decontamination. So, implementing decontamination is the only viable and financially secure solution. Also, companies producing cannabis strains or products must ensure the quality of their products. Nobody would wish to contribute to another mania after the so-called Reefer madness.

Already there is so much hype against medical marijuana and patients going for medical marijuana card in Los Angeles. Contaminated products will only add fuel to the current scenario. So, the cultivators must understand the dangers of contamination. For example, cultivators must learn that harmful microbes or their spores can be inhaled during vaping or smoking that can lead to opportunistic disorders. One can even develop a chronic pulmonary infection that could be fatal.

To Sum it Up

Keeping the standards of cannabis products high is the need of the hour. After all, thousands of patients are using it for medicinal purposes. No one can compromise a product meant to save the lives of many. Cannabis decontamination is the best possible method to regain the quality and potency of the products. After all, anything is better than destroying the entire harvested product. The grower needs to understand the importance of decontamination; otherwise, the supply chain will be drastically disrupted.

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About Post Author

Carol Bell

Carol is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Her passion is journalism and it shows. Carol is our unpaid, but very efficient, administrative secretary.

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