Understanding Moldy Cannabis:
Risks and Prevention

Many growers hesitate to acknowledge the possibility of moldy cannabis in their business, especially those who maintain impeccable grows, but it’s a risk even in the cleanest of environments. Disregarding the risk has cost some businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, not to mention damage to their brand’s reputation. Facing the risk of moldy cannabis head-on removes uncertainty and prepares growers for when they inevitably catch a white powdery spot on a plant.

Prepare yourself and your operation by learning how to identify mold on your cannabis plants, the causes and effects of moldy cannabis, the health risks it can pose, and the best strategies to prevent it.

How do you identify mold on cannabis?

A cannabis plant with mold on it will have diminished aroma, flavor, and sensory effects. You can’t always see the mold right away, but if your flower is starting to look discolored, it may be a sign of mold.

Eventually, the mold will make itself known visually. White powdery mildew will look just like that—white and powdery. It can be mistaken for trichomes, but powdery mildew tends to have a more sawdust-like texture. Other molds may look like dark spots on the plant or appear in spider web-like patterns.

Even if you can’t see it, you may be able to smell it. It will smell similar to other molds you’ve noticed on bread or cheese—musty, damp, and sour like mildew. Be careful here, though. Recently, a different kind of pathogen, an infectious RNA known as hop latent viroid (HLVd), is popping up on cannabis plants. It can also cause a damp smell similar to composting leaves. While it’s not mold, it can certainly make your plants more susceptible to mold outbreaks

What causes mold on cannabis?

It doesn’t take much for mold to grow. Mold spores are naturally present in the air. For them to reproduce, all they need is the right temperature, some moisture, and contact with organic material.

Moldy cannabis is generally caused because the plant itself grows in similar humidity and temperature levels to mold spores. The plant can act as the key third ingredient for mold growth—organic material—but so can things like dust, fibers, or exposed wood.

Maintaining a clean growing environment can help mitigate the risk of mold forming, but the risk can’t be completely eliminated.

What are the effects of moldy cannabis?

The effects mold has on your plants can impact the health of your employees and customers.

If your employees are exposed to moldy cannabis, they may experience symptoms like coughing, congestion, sneezing, wheezing, and nausea. Customers could also feel these side effects if the moldy bud makes it all the way to them. If they’re generally healthy and smoke it, they likely won’t experience negative side effects. But if they have a compromised immune system or are allergic to mold, the effects of smoking moldy cannabis can be serious.

If your market is medical, the stakes are higher. There’s a greater expectation for clean cannabis by consumers and regulators. Consumers use your flower for medicine and can experience worse side effects if it’s moldy than if a generally healthy person consumed it.

Regardless of the market, putting employees and/or consumers in danger is a quick way to ruin a business.

What are the risks of moldy weed?

Apart from the potential health issues your employees and customers could face, selling moldy cannabis could have a grave impact on your business and its bottom line.

For example, in 2024, one Massachusetts MSO was fined $200K for selling moldy weed. This scandal was brought to light by employees of the MSO and supported by complaints from patients and consumers, adding damage to the brand’s reputation.

Selling moldy cannabis also leads to a breakdown in trust between consumers, business owners, and regulators. Without trust and accountability between all three, state programs and the cannabis legalization movement in general suffer

How do you prevent moldy cannabis?

Preventing moldy cannabis starts with the fundamentals: have staff wear personal protective equipment (PPE) over their shoes and clothing to prevent the spread of outside contaminants, maintain a clean grow, and monitor your temperature and humidity levels.

Take prevention one step further by considering the physical structure of your grow. Installing compartmentalized ventilation can help avoid cross-contamination between rooms and growth stages while giving you greater control over temperature and humidity levels.

To prevent moldy cannabis from leaving your facility and landing on dispensary shelves, add a proactive decontamination step to your standard operating procedures (SOPs). Cannabis mold decontamination takes place after the flower is trimmed and before it’s sent off for testing. There are several types of cannabis remediation technology, though regulators often favor radio frequency (RF).

RF is an organic process that eliminates mold on cannabis plants by using long, low, non-ionizing wavelengths to penetrate the core of the bud. These wavelengths cause the water molecules within the plant to vibrate, creating enough heat and friction to kill mold DNA without damaging trichomes or changing the molecular structure of the plant.

With a designated step to decontaminate your flower, you virtually remove any risk of selling moldy cannabis. Think of it like the pasteurization step used for all dairy and nut products. It’s simply cleaning the product before putting it in consumers’ hands.

Finding the Right Cannabis Mold Remediation Machine

The Ziel RFX is the best cannabis mold remediation machine on the market for business owners with long-term plans. It’s already approved for organic operations under the USDA and National Organic Program (NOP) as well as for GMP- and EU GMP-certified facilities. Flower treated by the Ziel RFX has a regulatory compliance pass rate of >99%.

Businesses that incorporate the Ziel RFX into their SOPs recover an average of $1.1 million in lost revenue within the first year of using the machine as they’re no longer losing money on harvests that fail compliance.

To learn more about the Ziel RFX and how you can combat moldy cannabis in your grow, contact Ziel today.

Using Radio Frequency to Target Microbial Pathogens

One of the main issues in the cannabis industry is microbial content in cannabis products. Almost on a daily basis, one can see news outlets reporting on companies having their products recalled in various U.S. states. "A brand recall is death," says Arthur de Cordova, CEO and co-founder of Ziel, a company specializing in targeting microbial pathogens. The company has its roots in the food industry, focusing on the nuts and seeds space, including almonds, chia seeds, sesame, and more. Ziel's solutions utilize radio frequency, a non-ionizing form of radiation, an organic-compliant process that is the complete opposite of the most common and potentially harmful treatment of ionizing radiation, such as X-ray and gamma.

From food to cannabis
But how did Ziel end up in cannabis? "Ten years ago, we were approached by a large operator out of Colorado," Arthur recounts. "They had just been notified by the state authority that they were going to implement microbial testing." With the cannabis industry taking its first timid steps, no solution existed yet in that space to address microbial concerns. On top of that, the farm Arthur is referring to was a large outdoor grower, so microbial content was certainly going to be a significant challenge. "Being in the food space, our machines require these long radio frequency tunnels with conveyor belts that process 2,000 lb an hour, which weren't particularly suitable for cannabis," he explains. "So, we developed a machine that would carry out batch processes. Our first-generation unit has been so effective that it is still in operation after ten years. A couple of years ago, in 2023, we launched a new-generation unit at MJBizCon."

Ziel's units are used not only in North America—both the U.S. and Canada—but also in major medical cannabis markets in Europe, such as Portugal, Germany, and even North Macedonia. Given the different regulatory environments in Europe and North America, Arthur is well aware of how complicated navigating these waters can be. "Microbial testing in Europe and the U.S. is obviously very different," he explains. "It is made even more complicated in the U.S. because cannabis is not federally legal, meaning that there are no standardized testing requirements, and each state has developed its own guidelines regarding the maximum allowable microbial content. There are mainly three pathogens tested in every state: Aspergillus, Salmonella, and E. coli. Beyond these three, each state can add on additional microbial tests such as total yeast and mold, coliforms, and total aerobic counts. Passing microbial testing keeps growers up at night."

Testing in the US
This complexity in the U.S. has led Ziel to develop tailored recipes for radio frequency decontamination specific to the state in which a grower operates. "If a grower comes to us saying that they are going to grow in California, we have recipes for those specific microbials. If someone is in Michigan, we review the regulations and provide the grower with the appropriate decontamination recipes."

But how does the machine work? In the US cannabis industry, decontamination is commonly performed using X-rays, which could potentially be harmful to consumers. X-Ray uses an ionizing radiation, which has been criticized over the years by both state authorities and consumers due to the uncertain health effects they may have. On the other end of the radio wave spectrum is radio frequency, a non-ionizing radiation technology, organic-compliant process that is scientifically proven to have no adverse effects on either the product or the consumer.

To operate the Ziel unit, the operator places up to 5 lb cannabis flowers in Ziel's compliant bag and inserts the bag into the machine. Inside, an electromagnetic field is created, and radio frequencies penetrate deep into the flower, eliminating microbial content. Radio frequency is a thermal process; however, Ziel's unit is designed in such a way that the heat does not damage the cannabis flower. That's why, according to the standard operating procedure (SOP), the bag of flowers must be opened once removed from the machine and then transferred into another bag, allowing the flower temperature to drop without damaging the product. "To kill the most heat tolerant pathogens, the temperature may need to reach 95 degrees Celsius," Arthur explains. "However, it doesn't need to remain at that temperature for long. Our machine reaches it for a split second, ensuring the targeted microbes are destroyed while preserving product integrity. On top of that, our SOPs ensure that cannabis flowers remain top quality while also passing state testing." The Ziel radio frequency process takes 15 minutes to complete a cycle, which, according to Arthur, is five times faster than performing the same process with an X-Ray machine.

Testing in Europe
In Europe, the situation is different. The EU oversees the medical cannabis space, with grow facilities meeting EU-GACP requirements and EU-GMP for post-harvest processors. Testing standards are the same for every grower operating in Europe. However, the key difference is that every batch does not need to be tested each time. Instead, the production process itself undergoes validation and must demonstrate that it delivers consistent and repeatable results. While audits occur every six months, this approach is certainly more efficient than in the U.S., where growers must pay independent labs to test their products constantly. "It takes longer to set up a business in Europe because you have to go through all those validation processes. However, once you are set up, running a medical cannabis operation in Europe is more cost-efficient." Having validation processes such as GACP and GMP does not necessarily mean that a specific machine is GMP-certified. Rather, a GMP validated facility applies to the documented equipment and corresponding SOPs of that facility. "Our units installed in European GMP facilities have all received their GMP certification," Arthur explains. "When we collaborate with European growers, we also provide GMP documentation to streamline their GMP application process—it's a standard procedure for equipment in the pharmaceutical industry."

Another unique feature of Ziel's unit is its online dashboard. "We are data-driven people," says Arthur. "All the machine data from cycles run in our machines is recorded and saved in the cloud. We then reconcile that data against the returned Certificates of Analysis." This feature is particularly crucial for growers cultivating dozens of different strains, as not all strains react the same way to decontamination. "Regardless of the decontamination process a grower uses, every strain may behave differently. For instance, one strain may be more sensitive to decarboxylation, or it may even fail state testing. That's why we have implemented this data-gathering feature, coupled with our online dashboard, where

growers can track everything that happens during our radio frequency-based decontamination. We also support them in improving a recipe if they notice that a specific strain requires adjustments compared to other strains they grow."

With the cannabis market rapidly evolving, Ziel is fully committed to serving cannabis growers, especially in the growing European market. "We are well prepared for what's to come in the EU," Arthur points out. "We are investing more resources there to better serve the European medical cannabis space with safe and organic-compliant decontamination solutions."

Read the full article, linked here.

How to Choose the Best Cannabis Cleaning Machine

Cultivators committed to the cannabis industry long-term are preparing for federal oversight and global trade opportunities maintenant, and both require the consistent ability to produce a clean product that’s safe for consumption. When it comes to an agricultural commodity like cannabis, that means ensuring the final product is free of mold and pathogens.

To stay ahead of the growing pains that will come with the inevitable progress of the industry, future-focused business owners are ensuring their products are already clean and safe for the masses by incorporating a cannabis cleaning machine into their operation. Just as in other agricultural industries like dairy or nuts, cannabis products will eventually be required to be decontaminated before sale, regardless of the cleanliness of the grow. Adding a mold remediation machine to standard operating procedures (SOPs) now means avoiding the shock—and expense—of changes and updates later.

Picking the right cannabis machine for your needs starts with these three steps.

1) Choose a Cannabis Decontamination Technology

Cannabis cleaning machines use different technologies to address mold. These are the most common options.

Rayonnement ionisant

Ionizing radiation includes technologies like X-ray, e-beam, and gamma rays. These technologies irradiate the product to kill mold and pathogens. They have generally been considered safe; however, regulators are starting to sway cultivators against ionizing radiation as it alters the molecular structure of the plant.

For example, in Canada, producers who decontaminate their cannabis with ionizing radiation must label their products with the Radura, the international symbol that indicates a product has been irradiated. Regulators in the state of Nevada have considered implementing the same.

Similarly, in Germany, any importer who uses ionizing radiation technology to treat their flower must obtain a special license that costs around €4,500 per strain and takes nearly a year to secure.

For these reasons, many businesses are instead considering other cannabis decontamination technologies.

Rayonnement non ionisant

Non-ionizing radiation includes technologies like cold plasma and Radio Frequency (RF).

Cold plasma is a remediation technology that initiates a high-voltage electrical charge within a gas, creating a cloud of electrons, ions, photons, and free radicals that transfer their excess energy onto the flower. This triggers oxidative reactions that damage the DNA of mold and pathogens and poke holes in their membranes. Although currently considered safe, more research is needed to determine the impact of using free radicals.

RF uses long, slow wavelengths to penetrate the flower to its core. These wavelengths do not alter the molecular structure of the plant or produce free radicals. The USDA and National Organic Program (NOP) have already approved this technology under the USDA Organic label, and it’s been EU GMP-validated, meeting even Germany’s strict standards.

Non-ionizing machines also come with the benefit of completing the entire decontamination process onsite, whereas technologies like e-beam and gamma must be done entirely offsite.

2) Compare Machine Specs and Parts

Choosing the decontamination technology you want will significantly narrow down your options for a cannabis cleaning machine. From there, it’s crucial to analyze the machine itself.

Consider questions like:

  • How and where is the machine manufactured? Will it be quick and easy to get replacement parts, or will you have to wait for them to be shipped from across the globe?
  • What consumable materials will the machine use, and are those also easily accessible or will they ship from the other side of the planet?
  • How much waste will the machine produce?
  • How much electricity will the machine use, and how much will that increase your energy bill?
  • How many people are needed to man the machine? How much will this cost in labor?
  • Will you have to change or renovate your current operation’s layout/floor plan to incorporate the machine?
  • Does the machine require extra equipment? (For example, X-ray technology needs extra chiller equipment to complete the decontamination process.)
  • Does the machine require downtime, or can it stay running?

Answering these questions will help to determine the operational costs for the machine so you can see if it's a viable option for your business.

3) Compare Provided Training and Customer Support

Likewise, it’s important to understand if you’re getting just a machine or if you're getting a machine and a team of professionals (or at least a point of contact) for training and troubleshooting. If you are getting a team of support with your machine, get clear on whether that support is for a limited time or the duration of the machine’s lifetime.

When researching this, ask the sales reps of the cannabis cleaning machines you’re considering if they can connect you with some of their current customers so you can gather firsthand information. You can also ask the rep to share case studies or testimonials and seek out the businesses those highlight to get their direct thoughts about the cannabis cleaning machine and its accompanying support.

Explore the Industry’s Leading Cannabis Cleaning Machine

Now that you know the factors to consider when finding the best cannabis machine for your needs, get to know the non-ionizing machine that cultivators around the world use for mold remediation.

Using the power of Radio Frequency, the Ziel RFX is leading the cannabis industry in safe decontamination. This cannabis cleaning machine can remediate up to 160 pounds of cannabis flower in an eight-hour shift with no downtime.

The Ziel RFX also offers cultivators the chance to learn more about the intricacies of their grow by comparing data from certificates of analysis (COAs) and remediation cycles to identify strains more prone to mold and create strain-specific recipes that promise a 99.9% pass rate with regulatory compliance. This data is updated in real time so you can adjust your decontamination cycles accordingly if need be.

When you partner with Ziel, you gain a team of technicians and scientists ready to help with troubleshooting and data analytics so you can get the most out of your cannabis cleaning machine.

If you’d like to learn more about the Ziel RFX, or just need an expert to provide more insight into choosing the right cannabis cleaning machine for your needs, contact Ziel today.

Blunt Business Cannabis Radio - Podcast

Ziel is a leading provider of microbial control solutions for the cannabis industry, specializing in high-throughput, non-ionizing radio frequency (RF) technology. Driven by a commitment to innovation and compliance, Ziel offers cutting-edge solutions that ensure product safety, maximize efficiency, and meet stringent regulatory requirements, particularly in the rapidly growing European market.

Unlike competitors who rely on ionizing radiation or face frequent machine breakdowns, Ziel's RF technology guarantees industry-leading throughput with no downtime. This allows processors to treat up to 500 pounds of cannabis in a single 24-hour shift, ensuring a continuous flow of safe, high-quality product. Ziel's technology, rooted in decades of proven science and refined through seven generations of innovation, preserves the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes, maintaining the natural characteristics of the plant. This commitment to quality has earned Ziel a strong reputation and a loyal customer base across Europe and beyond.

Ziel's latest innovation, the Rfx, is a compact and efficient RF solution designed by Richard Bruner, the renowned founder of Apple's Industrial Design group. The Rfx has been enthusiastically received in Europe, where GMP certification is essential for market entry. By offering significant return on investment and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations, the Rfx empowers cannabis operators to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Ziel recognizes the evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing importance of compliance. Their partnership with Porta Canna, achieving the first EU GMP certification for RF microbial control in cannabis, underscores their dedication to meeting the highest industry standards. Ziel's proactive approach to compliance, including the development of comprehensive turnover packages for prospective customers, positions them as a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complexities of the European market.

Biz Con - Inside the Conference, by Kelly Dixon

"Our first stop was booth number 5027, Ziel. Ziel specializes in cannabis mold and microbial remediation, and they manufacture one of the most impressive units in the entire conference. Ziel’s RFX unit works miracles and uses proprietary technology to sanitize material without jeopardizing the quality, flavor, and bag appeal of the flower. Arthur de Cordova, the CEO and co-founder of Ziel explained to me how his technology using radio frequency remediates bacteria and mold in cannabis, and unlike ionizing forms of radiation such as X-ray, gamma, and e-beam, radio frequency is a non-ionizing, thermal process compliant with organic processes. Arthur is a wealth of knowledge, and we were honored that he gave us a few minutes of his time during such a busy conference." 

From Seed to Sustainability: How Cannabis Companies Are Going Green

The cannabis industry, historically focused on reducing costs, is now at a critical juncture where sustainability is evolving from a secondary concern to a central operational strategy. More operators are recognizing that environmentally responsible practices can be both economically beneficial and essential for long-term viability as consumers look for organic products that are grown and processed responsibly. Companies like Ziel, a leader in the use of radio frequency technology for the decontamination of cannabis flower, demonstrate that sustainable practices and cost-efficiency can align, making a powerful case for greener practices.

The Investment in Sustainability 

Implementing sustainable practices often demands upfront investment and resources, but the long-term benefits are significant. Similar to cannabis cultivation, agricultural farmers are going green by incorporating sustainable tech into their operations. For instance, while robotics and AI are no strangers to agriculture, Carbon Robotics is utilizing a LaserWeeder system to help eliminate weeds from various crops—all without relying on toxic chemical herbicides or disruptive soil practices. Carbon Robotics helps farmers reduce the high cost of manual labor while also providing USDA organic farmers with a solution for removing weeds without the use of herbicides. These efforts not only foster a loyal customer base dedicated to environmental responsibility but also establish the farmer and tech providers as leaders in the organic sector.

The Path to Certification 

Currently, cannabis products lack the ability to be USDA Organic certified due to the plant’s federal status as a controlled substance. However, with the potential for cannabis to be reclassified as a Schedule III substance, there will be an opening for FDA oversight, which could pave the way for USDA and National Organic Program (NOP) standards to apply to cannabis cultivators in a similar manner as the agricultural food industry. If this occurs, cannabis products adhering to these standards may finally earn organic certification, aligning with the guidelines currently applied to food and supplements. Not only do cultivation protocols determine organic certification, post-harvest processes impact certification as well. Therefore, selecting a microbial control solution technology that is compliant with organic processes is critical.

Sustainable Microbial Control Methods

Radio frequency is a non-ionizing radiation treatment that has been used to pasteurize food products for decades. It is considered safe for consumer consumption by the FDA and USDA, as well as compliant with NOP organic processes. Products treated with ionizing radiation are ineligible for organic certification under USDA and FDA guidelines. In Canada, the Radura symbol is required for both food and cannabis products exposed to ionizing radiation like gamma, e-beam and X-ray options. These treatment methods are effective but controversial, as ionizing radiation can alter the molecular structure of cannabis, potentially impacting its terpene profile and other active compounds.

A non-ionizing treatment like radio frequency technology offers several advantages for sustainable cannabis processing. Unlike traditional decontamination methods that are energy and resource intensive, the Ziel RFX requires only electricity and processing bags—eliminating the need for chemicals or waste disposal. For instance, the RFX can decontaminate 160 lbs of cannabis in just 8 hours for under $10 in electricity, reducing environmental impact while boosting energy efficiency.

Sustainability

Conversely, ionizing cannabis remediation technologies have other associated costs outside of regulations. For example, e-beam and gamma remediation must be done off-site, costing cultivators time and money for transportation, insurance, and administration. X-ray equipment can be installed on-site, though it does require the installation of additional chiller equipment, adding cost and an additional layer of initial permitting and annual renewals. Radio Frequency remediation, on the other hand, doesn’t call for any extra licensing, labeling, or facility upgrades. It can be done on-site, and the technology has already been screened by the USDA in other applications.

Lastly, the Ziel RFX device is designed with a lifespan of over 20 years, eliminating the need for frequent parts replacements and significantly reducing waste. Unlike other market options, which often require ongoing repairs or major modifications to facilities, the RFX is a durable, cost-effective solution that supports both sustainability and operational efficiency in the long term.

Technologies like radio frequency, provide a sustainable solution for microbial control that aligns with both U.S. and Canadian organic guidelines and with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified operations in the U.S. and E.U.

Pathways to Sustainable Certification

As the industry awaits the possibility of federal organic certification, cultivators can seek alternative credentials. Programs like Envirocann and EnvirOganic, are geared toward those with strict adherence to sustainable farming practices and manufacturers who follow strict compliance in a laboratory setting, GMP, and environmental awareness. Coastal Sun Farms, in California, exemplifies this approach with its commitment to ecological farming.

Another prominent option is the Clean Green Certified program, the largest and most awarded cannabis certification, promoting sustainable practices. CULTA, a Maryland-owned craft cannabis brand, was the first farm in the state certified by Clean Green for its no-till farming methods and integrated pest management, which includes the use of beneficial insects in the live soil.

Beyond Cultivation: Sustainable Sourcing

Sustainability is not limited to cultivation. Many companies incorporate ethical sourcing practices into their supply chains. Grön, a cannabis edibles brand, achieved a milestone in 2019 as the first cannabis chocolate brand to receive Fair Trade certification, supporting sustainable income for cocoa farmers and their communities.

The Future of Sustainable Cannabis

As environmentally responsible practices continue to gain momentum in cannabis, the industry is moving toward more sustainable hardware and ethical processes. Cultivators and manufacturers adopting eco-friendly methods—whether through certification programs, Fair Trade sourcing, or energy-efficient technology—are setting the stage for cannabis to become a model of ethical and sustainable operations. This dedication will not only enhance consumer trust but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.

Read the Full Article here! 

California cannabis recalls highlight importance of decontamination

In August, California’s Department of Cannabis Control issued five marijuana product recalls that cited the presence of aspergillus, bringing the total number of such recalls to 21 for 2024.

This sharp rise in mold-related recalls – particularly for aspergillus – has cannabis cultivators across the state on high alert.

While most strains of this common mold are harmless, certain species can cause severe respiratory problems in people with weakened immune systems, asthma or underlying lung conditions.

With the health of consumers and the profitability of cultivators at stake, a “decontamination step” or “kill step” in the cultivation process can act as a proactive safeguard.

Read the Full Article here!

Vous voulez du cannabis biologique ? Les opérateurs se tournent vers cette technologie pour économiser des millions et obtenir une certification

How do you know if your cannabis is truly organic? Cannabis operators are now using cutting-edge technology to meet strict organic compliance standards while eliminating microbial risks—without harmful chemicals.

In an exclusive Benzinga Cannabis interview, Ziel’s CEO and Co-Founder, Arthur de Cordova, shared insights into their innovative radiofrequency (RF) technology, highlighting its unique advantages:

  • Preserves product quality: Eliminates microbial risks while maintaining the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes.
  • Ensures organic compliance: A non-ionizing solution that meets strict organic certification standards.
  • No harmful chemicals: RF technology offers a clean, chemical-free process unlike traditional methods such as X-rays.
  • Competitive edge: Features volumetric heating for uniform treatment, ensuring consistent results across the entire cannabis flower.

Ziel’s RF machines deliver unmatched precision, efficiency, and compliance, making them a game-changer for operators aiming to meet organic cannabis standards while reducing costs.

Read the full Benzinga article here!

La Colombie devient un fournisseur mondial de cannabis

Arthur de Cordova, PDG et co-fondateur de Ziel, une société internationale de solutions de contrôle microbien du cannabis et de l'agriculture, explique à Business of Cannabis comment la Colombie fait des progrès importants pour consolider sa présence sur le marché européen du cannabis et dans le monde entier. 

Les opportunités mondiales dans l’industrie du cannabis sont à un niveau record, avec des marchés dans l’Union européenne, aux États-Unis, en Amérique latine et au Canada qui arrivent tous à maturité et connaissent une croissance significative.

À mesure que ces marchés évoluent, la normalisation des réglementations relatives aux importations et aux exportations devrait rationaliser le commerce mondial du cannabis.

Les principaux exportateurs de cannabis médical, comme la Colombie, sont en mesure de devenir les premiers leaders du marché en se conformant aux réglementations des pays qui dépendent actuellement des importations internationales en raison de capacités de production nationales limitées, voire inexistantes.

L'émergence de la Colombie comme acteur clé du cannabis

Depuis la légalisation du cannabis médical en 2016, la Colombie a rapidement développé ses capacités de production et de distribution.

Cette avancée a accéléré la mise en place des processus réglementaires nécessaires à l’exportation de cannabis, notamment après que le pays a levé son interdiction d’exportation de fleurs de cannabis séchées en 2021.

Ce changement réglementaire a marqué un moment charnière pour l’industrie du cannabis du pays, offrant une opportunité significative pour la Colombie d’influencer le marché mondial en devenant un centre d’exportation de premier plan.

L'environnement de la Colombie est idéal pour la culture en extérieur à grande échelle, offrant 12 heures de soleil par jour toute l'année, ce qui permet plusieurs récoltes de cannabis par an.

De plus, la main d’œuvre et la terre sont plus économiques en Colombie que dans des pays comme l’Europe et les États-Unis, ce qui permet au pays de devenir l’un des principaux fournisseurs à bas prix du monde.

Afin d’exporter vers un nombre croissant de pays, la Colombie adhère à des réglementations standardisées dans toute l’Europe pour la production de cannabis biologique.

Les producteurs colombiens souhaitant exporter vers plus de 20 pays européens qui ont légalisé le cannabis médical, dont l'Albanie, la Croatie, la République tchèque, le Danemark, l'Allemagne, la Grèce et l'Irlande, doivent suivre les directives GACP (Good Agricultural and Collecting Practice) et GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) de l'UE pour la culture et la fabrication, et adhérer aux limites microbiennes établies par la Pharmacopée européenne.

En appliquant ces normes, la Colombie est prête à répondre à la demande croissante de cannabis dans l'UE, ce qui indique une croissance rapide et continue des exportations de cannabis colombiennes. Par conséquent, les investissements internationaux dans l'industrie du cannabis colombienne ont continué de croître, l'accent étant mis sur les exportations vers l'Europe et l'Australie.

En Allemagne, les importateurs en gros privilégient le cannabis traité par radiofréquence non ionisante par rapport aux rayonnements ionisants en raison de la charge supplémentaire que représente l'enregistrement des produits traités par rayonnement ionisant (AMRadV qui peut conduire à un processus d'approbation de 8 à 12 mois).

De plus, les préférences des consommateurs stimulent également la demande de produits non traités par rayonnement ionisant (rayons X, gamma, faisceaux électroniques). En mettant l’accent sur la culture en extérieur à faible coût et sur l’afflux d’investissements internationaux, les producteurs colombiens sont prêts à répondre à la demande croissante de cannabis non ionisé et traité de manière biologique en Europe.

L’accent mis par la Colombie sur le respect des normes mondiales laisse entrevoir un avenir prometteur où la qualité et la sécurité des consommateurs sont garanties à chaque récolte dans le monde entier.

Visitez l'article original sur Business of Cannabis, ici.

Vous voulez du cannabis biologique ? Les opérateurs se tournent vers cette technologie pour économiser des millions et obtenir une certification

Comment fonctionne la technologie de radiofréquence

La technologie de radiofréquence (RF) de Ziel offre une solution non ionisante à la contamination microbienne du cannabis, qui peut entraîner de graves risques pour la santé des consommateurs et entraîner des fermetures réglementaires coûteuses pour les opérateurs.

 De Cordova a expliqué comment fonctionne la technologie RF au niveau moléculaire : « La technologie RF repose sur le principe selon lequel les molécules d'eau ont à la fois une polarité positive et négative. En alignant ces molécules d'eau avec un champ électromagnétique, nous créons une friction qui génère de l'énergie thermique. »

La clé de la solution de Ziel est le chauffage volumétrique. fleur de cannabis est placé à l'intérieur de la machine RF, l'ensemble du produit est chauffé uniformément d'un bord à l'autre, contrairement aux méthodes conventionnelles où la chaleur est appliquée de l'extérieur, ce qui entraîne souvent un chauffage inégal. De Cordova a illustré la différence.

« Si vous pensez à cuire une dinde au four, l'extérieur est trop cuit alors que l'intérieur peut encore être insuffisamment cuit. Mais avec la technologie RF, nous atteignons la température de destruction cible de 80 °C sur toute la fleur sans brûler l'extérieur. Ce chauffage uniforme est crucial car si une partie de la fleur n'atteint pas 80 °C, la les contaminants microbiens ne seront pas complètement éradiqués", a-t-il expliqué.

Non ionisant vs ionisant : l'avantage organique

Cette méthode de chauffage volumétrique est ce qui distingue la RF des techniques traditionnelles comme les rayons X. Les méthodes gamma et E-beam fonctionnent en modifiant la structure moléculaire du cannabis, ce qui peut dégrader les cannabinoïdes et les terpènes essentiels à la puissance, à la saveur et à l'arôme du produit.

« La RF préserve les qualités sensorielles du cannabis », a déclaré de Cordova, « car elle chauffe la fleur uniformément sans endommager l'intégrité de ses cannabinoïdes ou de ses terpènes. »

Il a également expliqué que la technologie RF fonctionne du côté non ionisant du spectre électromagnétique, ce qui en fait une solution compatible avec les produits biologiques. En revanche, les technologies ionisantes comme les rayons gamma et les rayons X modifient la structure moléculaire de la matière, ce qui rend ces méthodes inutilisables dans les produits biologiques.

Technologie durable et évolutive

De plus, la technologie RF utilise uniquement de l'électricité, ne nécessitant aucun produit chimique, gaz ou système de ventilation nocif, ce qui renforce encore son attrait pour les opérateurs à la recherche de durable et efficace « Nos machines sont compactes et évolutives — elles ne nécessitent qu'une alimentation monophasée de 240 V —, ce qui les rend accessibles aux opérateurs de toutes tailles », a noté de Cordova.

De Cordova a souligné l'efficacité de la machine : « En environ 15 minutes, la machine traite jusqu'à cinq livres de fleurs de cannabis. »

Comment la technologie de Ziel soutient la certification biologique

Pour les opérateurs qui souhaitent obtenir une certification biologique, la technologie RF de Ziel offre un avantage évident. « Notre technologie est non ionisante, ce qui signifie qu'elle est considérée comme biologique », a déclaré de Cordova. En revanche, les méthodes ionisantes comme les rayons gamma et X ne répondent pas aux normes biologiques.

Ceci est particulièrement important pour les marchés où la conformité biologique de l’USDA est un différenciateur clé pour les produits à base de cannabis.

Avantage concurrentiel : efficacité et économies de coûts

Les machines RF de Ziel permettent de réaliser des économies importantes par rapport à celles de ses concurrents. « En 24 heures, notre machine peut traiter 480 livres de cannabis, alors que des machines similaires utilisant d'autres technologies ne peuvent en traiter que 90 livres », explique de Cordova.

Cette efficacité, combinée à la capacité de la technologie à prévenir les pannes de produits, aide les opérateurs à récupérer rapidement leurs coûts. « Avec un taux de panne de 10%, un opérateur pourrait récupérer ce montant en quelques mois seulement en récupérant des produits qui auraient autrement été perdus. »

Les machines Ziel sont également certifiées pour une utilisation dans L'Europe , avec leur première installation au Portugal. « Nous avons établi un partenariat avec une installation GMP ici au Portugal et avons suivi le processus rigoureux de certification de la machine pour une utilisation sur le marché européen », a déclaré de Cordova. Ce processus de certification est essentiel, en particulier pour exporter du cannabis vers des marchés stricts comme Allemagne, où le respect des normes GMP est obligatoire.