Eliminating Microbials in Marijuana

Eliminating Microbials in Marijuana
If you’re in the cannabis industry, then it’s likely that microbial testing is a
common term in your vocabulary. Specifically, testing for microbials in
marijuana refers to the identification and restriction of dangerous
microorganisms, such as pathogens, bacteria, yeast, E.coli, Aspergillus, and
their byproducts.

Like any agricultural product, cannabis is susceptible to microorganisms that
could potentially harm consumers. In fact, in 2017, approximately 15% of all
commercially grown flower had microbial contamination. By 2020, this is
projected to be a $3 billion problem.

It goes without saying how dangerous—even lethal—it could be to have food
and/or environmental products and process tainted with pathogens, bacteria,
yeast, E.coli, and Aspergillus. The same health factors are compounded with
cannabis. Immuno-compromised patients rely on safe and pure cannabis for
treatments. In addition, when cannabis is smoked, it enters the bloodstream
quicker and this can intensify the effects of the contaminants. Even dead
organisms may trigger allergies and asthma.

All things considered, being prepared to address contamination is necessary
for not only the safety of your consumers, but also the health of your business.

Identifying Contamination Sources

While cultivators strive to keep growing conditions clean, there will always be
some levels of microbials in marijuana. It is, after all, a plant, susceptible to
mites and mold like any other organism. The growing phase isn’t the only time
when cannabis plants can become contaminated. Cannabis can become
contaminated during harvesting or drying process if it is stored in a place that
is too wet or humid.

There is also the risk of cross-contamination being brought from outside. As
shift changes occur and people move in-and-out of grow rooms, foreign
material is tracked throughout a facility, and given enough time, a problem will
arise. This is why we always recommend wearing sanitary clothing when
handling the plant at vulnerable points in its lifecycle.

To complicate this further, the acceptable level of these contaminants varies
from state to state, leading to confusion for cultivators, particularly those that
operate in multiple states. Until there’s more uniformity, it is important to
become knowledgeable about how to limit microbials in marijuana in order to
pass the testing – no matter where you operate.

A Path Forward: How to Pass Microbial Testing

The good news is that there is clean cannabis technology like WillowPure that
is designed specifically for eliminating microbials on cannabis flower.
WillowPure is the most reliable organic cannabis kill-step on the market today.
It’s a unique ozone-based technology that reduces yeast, mold, bacteria,
Aspergillus, E.coli, and Salmonella, while simultaneously protecting the
medicinal properties of the plant.

The process is simple, too. Plug the WillowPure into any standard outlet, allow
for a 15-minute warm-up period, load the food-grade plastic mesh trays evenly
with your product, push the cannabis racks into the machine, shut the door,
and press start. WillowPure removes about 50% of the microbials in marijuana
within the first hour of treatment.

To date, Willow Industries has saved cultivators more than $50 million in
revenue and has treated more than 24,000 pounds of cannabis. And that
number grows everyday. Willow Industries currently operates in 15 states and
can ship nationwide.

To find out more information about WillowPure, contact a Willow Industries sales
rep. Check out more at Willow Industries Website