Contaminants

Aspergillus, a genus of mold that is abundant in our environment, has become a significant concern in the cannabis industry, particularly due to the health risks it poses to consumers. This mold, which thrives in various environments, including soil, decaying vegetation, and even in the air, is not inherently dangerous to healthy individuals. However, its presence in cannabis flowers, whether during cultivation, processing, or storage, can lead to severe health risks, especially for immunocompromised individuals.

Researchers shared their latest research on the fungus that is a threat to seeds and crops across the nation.

In preparation for the outdoor cannabis harvest, this episode provided guidance on ensuring a successful production process.

Patrick Bird, Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs at bioMérieux, presented “Innovative Method Development to Meet the Needs for the Cannabis Industry" on the first day of Cannabis Science Conference in the Analytical Track.

This article explains four key areas growers should focus on to mitigate the need for excessive remediation.

An article in The Wall Street Journal offered an overview of some of the causes and impacts of contaminated cannabis.

A hold was placed in late December and is still under investigation.

Leading up to the virtual symposium, “Microbial Testing in Cannabis: Basics, Guidance, and Applications,” Cannabis Science and Technology held a poll on its LinkedIn page, offering viewers the chance to ask a question for panelists to answer during the presentation.

A new report highlights the occurrence of contaminants in medical cannabis products within the state.

The study examined the health risks and made recommendations for safer products.

A look at why understanding the conditions in which microorganisms thrive, grow, and multiply is important in both controlling microbial growth and optimizing for microbial testing.

This article delves into the aspects of horticultural light intensity and spectra as well as their relative influence on cannabis photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, and overall yield.

See the program overview for the upcoming Cannabis Science Conference Fall in Providence, Rhode Island September 20-22nd.

New testing requirements for the Aspergillus fungus are harming cannabis companies, the lawsuit claims.

Americans for Safe Access, the nation’s largest member-based organization promoting safe access to medical cannabis, recently released a detailed report on how disparities in state cannabis testing programs affect the health of patients.

In part I of this series, we start the discussion on the important microbiological targets for the cannabis market and understand their significance as a threat to health and safety.

One important element of creating the ideal growing environment for cannabis is often overlooked: air quality. Here, we look at why this is important as well as best practices for mitigating poor air quality.

Hop latent viroid and black root rot are affecting the growth of cannabis plants across the United States as well as other countries.

Health and safety notices were issued in two states due to concerns about contamination exposure.

Different extraction processes, new products, and new equipment combine to create the perfect storm of better, safer extractions.

How can we address the pest problems created in commercial cannabis cultivation facilities when environmental control systems are improperly designed or implemented?

In this study, Tween 20 amounts were increased in 1% increments while monitoring two different factors.

What is mycology and why is it important to the cannabis industry?

This study offers guidance to establishing meaningful quality standards for the commercialization of cannabis and cannabis-related products.

In this study, dried cannabis flower found to have yeast and mold during compliance screening were randomly chosen to be plated at two different incubation temperatures to compare total amount of yeast and mold growth.

This article takes a look at the major atomic spectroscopy techniques and compares their performance characteristics and in particular examines the limits of quantitation for the four heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, and Hg) currently being regulated in cannabis and hemp by most states in the US.

An argument for moving away from traditional culture-based methods and towards employing methods with increased specificity and accuracy.

What are some clear-cut methods to recognizing signs and certain types of contamination that can minimize risk and maximize production of pure, clean cannabis?

Part I of this article series focuses on the physiology of heavy metal transport and translocation into and within plant tissues.

A case study that demonstrates the utility and necessity of environmental screening in a cannabis production and processing facility.