As Cannabis becomes a more mainstream industry, regulations will make cannabis production look more like
food production each year. Most commercial cannabis grown today undergoes some
form of decontamination to treat the industry’s problem of mold, yeast and
other microbial pathogens. The decontamination process is in place to ensure
that products meet a certain level of safety and quality. Like with produce,
some antimicrobial treatments may themselves be harmful to the health of
consumers and the integrity of the product itself. Not all remediation is created
equally, and sadly, no method is perfect.
An autoclave
system uses heat and pressure to kill microbes. They are available in different
brands, configurations and sizes. This is an easy-to-use option, but it is time
consuming. However, because it utilizes moisture, it does increase the risk of
mold infestation. The final product may experience a change in color, taste and
smell.
Dry Heat
Placing
cannabis in dry heat is one of the cheapest methods, and it does not have any
mold or yeast infestation issues. It is important to note that this method
would most likely ruin product unless you plan to extract it.
X-Ray
X-ray is a
highly effective form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. X-ray
wavelengths are shorter than those of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The cannabis
is placed in a lead-lined chamber that ensures the safety of the operator
during the decontamination process. X-rays are produced from an internal vacuum
tube once the lead lined chamber is sealed. The X-rays penetrate the cannabis
and kill the microbes. What you are decontaminating is limited to the size of
the chamber.
Ultraviolet
Light
Ultraviolet
light is a completely chemical-free way to combat molds and bacteria that
plague cannabis plants. UV-C is energy from light that has been used to
inactivate DNA-based contaminants since the 1850's. With UV-C technology, there
is no residual left behind as there are no chemicals involved. The cannabis
product is not altered by the exposure to UV light. Any exposed surface
contamination, such as molds, bacteria, and viruses, are significantly reduced,
if not eliminated entirely. While a quick and easy method, UV-C intensity does
drop off with distance, so it is difficult to scale up.
Gamma
Radiation
Gamma
irradiation involves exposing the target material to packets of light (photons)
that are so highly energetic (gamma rays) that they damage the DNA strands
present. It reduces microbial growth in plants without affecting potency.
However, it uses ionizing radiation that can create new chemical compounds not
present before, some of which can be cancer-causing.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency,
or RF, uses radio waves to make water molecules within the product vibrate and
generate heat to kill microbes similar to how a microwave oven works. However,
because it is dependent on moisture, microbes in dry areas of the flower are
not effectively remediated, meaning dangerous microorganisms in these areas can
continue to grow and spread even after the product has passed testing measures.
Radiofrequency may also cause burns on the product, along with potential
negative effects to potency, look, smell and taste.
Ozone
Ozone gas is a highly reactive oxidizing molecule that destroys the microbes’ cell
wall, which enables the ozone to destroy all of the cell’s components: enzymes,
proteins, DNA, and RNA. It is a true gas which readily distributes. This method
greatly reduces the number of microbes but does not reduce the number to zero
necessarily, because it breaks down quickly. Ozone at too high of levels, or
levels that are not properly controlled, is dangerous to cannabis plants. At
too low of levels, it really doesn’t have much of an effect at all.
Hydrogen
Peroxide
Hydrogen
peroxide can be applied directly to the product, environment, and supplies
through spray, fogger, or submersion to kill microbial life. A mild dilution of
hydrogen peroxide and water is also an incredible insect repellent. Hydrogen
peroxide may oxidize the surface of the flower which can alter the look, smell,
taste and potency of the product. Also, vapors can condense, and the resulting
moisture can cause more mold spores to germinate.
Chlorine
Dioxide Gas
For a complete
kill of all potential organisms, EPA-registered chlorine dioxide gas is the
optimal way to fill an entire space evenly and completely, decontaminating
every surface, crack, or crevice with no residues or additional cleanup. This
treatment can be performed either in an enclosed chamber or easily scaled up to
rooms, even entire facilities, if there is a widespread outbreak. As an
oxidizer, at high use levels, chlorine dioxide gas can alter the look and taste
of the product.
Read more
about these commonly used by reading our Cannabis Decon Method Comparison.
