Is Cannabis Mold Testing Extensive Enough?

Cannabiswire
Fri, May 15
Key Points
  • Cannabis plants are vulnerable to mold growth when exposed to excessive moisture.
  • States with adult use or medical cannabis programs usually mandate microbial testing to prevent moldy cannabis products from reaching consumers.
  • New research indicates that Fusarium mold, which no state currently tests for in cannabis, may be more prevalent in the plant than previously believed.
  • Current microbial testing protocols might need updating to include detection of Fusarium to ensure product safety.

Cannabis is, like all plants, susceptible to different molds when exposed to too much moisture. In order to prevent moldy cannabis from hitting shelves, states with an adult use or medical cannabis program typically require some kind of microbial testing. But now, emerging research suggests that a mold called Fusarium that no state directly tests for in cannabis might be more common to the plant than previously thought.

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