Marijuana Recalls in California Underscore Importance of Decontamination

A few months ago, the Department of Cannabis Control in the state of California issued 5 cannabis product recalls. The recalls drew attention to the presence of aspergillus, which brought the total number of recalls to twenty-one for the year.

The significant increase in recalls related to mold, in particular aspergillus, has made marijuana cultivators across the state to become more vigilant.

So, what do we know about aspergillus?

This mold can be found in decaying vegetation, soil and the air. It thrives in humid and warm environments, with its spores possessing the ability to travel long distances. This makes it hard to contain the mold in outdoor or even indoor cultivation operations.

While most strains of aspergillus are harmless, specific species can cause serious respiratory issues for individuals with underlying lung conditions, asthma, or weak immune systems. Other species can also cause infections, ranging from invasive aspergillosis to mild allergies.

Given that medical marijuana is used by patients with compromised immune systems, it is even more important to ensure that the products consumers have access to are mold-free.

What happens when a product fails a laboratory test?

States often carry out compulsory lab tests on marijuana products sold in their jurisdictions. Products that don’t pass these tests due to high mold levels are often turned into extracts or remediated, which decreases a cultivator’s profit margins.

For instance, the Metrc’s marijuana track-and-trace system in Florida usually flags remediated flower and labels it with an R. This negatively impacts the product’s market appeal and causes a decline in the average price of the product over time.

This approach isn’t sustainable for cannabis cultivators who’re trying to maintain profitability and a competitive edge.

How can marijuana decontamination help prevent this from happening?

Introducing a decontamination step in one’s cultivation process can substantially decrease the presence of mold before cannabis products are submitted for lab tests. The primary objective of this step is to reduce the levels of microbials present in the cannabis flower, normally through a sterilization or sanitization process.

By integrating this safeguard into one’s procedures, growers can avoid the reputational and financial damage associated with product recalls and failed laboratory tests.

What decontamination solutions can cultivators use?

  1. Ozone gas is known to decrease microbial levels on plants, including marijuana.
  2. X-ray radiation, which can help deactivate the DNA of harmful pathogens.
  • Radio frequency treatment can also help eliminate pathogens.

One should keep in mind that these solutions don’t compromise the quality of the cannabis flower.

For companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) that have worked to build their reputation within the industry, every effort would be worthwhile if it helped to avoid harming what they have so far achieved.

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