Just like people, plants also have a microbiome. Bacteria and fungi are naturally found on cannabis in levels that are usually harmless. However, there are a number of safety issues concerning excessive microbial contamination of cannabis. If cannabis is not dried properly or grown under improper conditions potentially harmful fungi and bacteria can proliferate. A particular at risk group from certain kinds of microbial contamination include patients whose immune systems are compromised. Excessive fungal levels can also be a problem for non-immune compromised patients due to mycotoxins produced by certain fungal species.
We use a molecular biology based technology called real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in which microorganisms are detected by seeking out specific, unique sequences in their DNA. Using this technology we currently can perform the following microbial tests:
Groups of microorganisms total levels:
- Yeast / Mold (fungi)i
- Aerobic Bacteria
- Coliforms
- Enterobacteria
Specific microorganism presence:
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Aspergillus niger
- Aspergillus flavus
- Aspergillus fumigates
- Aspergillus terreus