Cryo-Pasteurization vs. Radio Frequency:
The Best Choice for Cannabis
Remediation in Europe"
Several countries in Europe have taken the first steps toward cannabis legalization, with Germany leading the charge. Germany is approaching the industry not as an agricultural one, but as a pharmaceutical one. Their pharmaceutical standards are the strictest in the world.
To produce cannabis in or export cannabis to Germany, your facility must be EU-GMP certified. This pharmaceutical protocol reviews the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) followed to produce a product, ensuring the process is repeatable and therefore the outcome is consistent. Part of that process must include a mold and pathogen kill-step, also referred to as cannabis remediation or cannabis decontamination.
Several decontamination technologies are emerging in the European market. Two, in particular, are gaining traction as neither uses ionizing radiation nor changes the molecular structure of the plant. Those options are cryo-pasteurization and Radio Frequency.
Understanding Non-Ionizing Cannabis Remediation Techniques
There are many benefits to using non-ionizing cannabis remediation, but a major one for producers looking to export to the EU is being able to avoid the costs of an AMRadV license. If your product is going to be sold in Germany and has been treated with ionizing radiation, like X-ray, gamma, or e-beam, you have to pay for an AMRadV license for each strain you plan to sell.
Neither cryo-pasteurization nor Radio Frequency requires an AMRad V license because they are non-ionizing, meaning they don’t change the molecular structure of the plant when decontaminating it. Instead, the two non-ionizing options operate on opposite ends of the temperature spectrum to achieve clean cannabis.
What is Cryo-Pasteurization?
How It Works and Its Limitations
Cryo-pasteurization for cannabis starts by loading the plant inside a pasteurization machine, which can generally hold around five pounds of flower per cycle. Inside the machine, liquid nitrogen is boiled at -320°F to create a cryogenic vapor. This vapor fills around 95% of the chamber, creating an incredibly low-oxygen atmosphere. With near-zero oxygen, harmful pathogens like Aspergillus, E. coli, and Salmonella die.
The flower is then rapidly cooled with liquid nitrogen to prevent oxidation before airborne contaminants are removed using a filtration system. [1]
Limitations of Cryo-Pasteurization for Cannabis
Although it can be effective, cryo-pasteurization for cannabis has a few drawbacks.
Some mold spores can survive extremely cold temperatures, remaining dormant until a more suitable environment becomes available. While cryo-pasteurization can effectively address active, or living, microbial contaminants (like yeast, mold, and bacteria), dormant mold spores may not be completely eliminated and can still become active after the cryo-pasteurization process.
To address this issue, special low-oxygen packaging is recommended for those who use cryo-pasteurization for cannabis to help keep mold spores at bay. This can limit a brand’s packaging and branding options, which can, in turn, impact sales. In a saturated market like cannabis, brands must prioritize eye-catching packaging to stand out amongst the dozens to hundreds of other brands on display next to them. This may not always be achievable if the package has to be specifically tailored to support the cryo-pasteurization process
What is Radio Frequency (RF) Technology in Cannabis Remediation?
Radio Frequency is more widely used in Europe for cannabis remediation than cryo-pasteurization and has already been approved in EU-GMP facilities. This technology has been used for decades in other agricultural industries, including nuts, dates, and seeds.
RF uses long, low-energy wavelengths to penetrate the flower all the way through to its core. These wavelengths cause the water molecules on and inside the bud to vibrate in unison with them, creating a small amount of friction and heat that’s enough to kill both active mold, yeast, and pathogens, as well as dormant mold spores. The heat levels are low enough that the plant’s chemical compounds are not impacted.
RF has been approved for use in organic operations because it doesn’t use any chemicals or ionizing radiation.
Why Radio Frequency is the Future of Cannabis Remediation in Europe
Many cannabis operators in the EU, and those exporting to the EU, are already using Radio Frequency to decontaminate their products. It’s cost-effective because it doesn’t require any additional equipment other than the RF machine itself, and it’s incredibly energy efficient. Producers who use the Ziel RFX or APEX 7 spend only 16 cents per pound (of flower) on electricity.
RF vs. Cryo-Pasteurization: Operational Efficiency
Incorporating RF into your operation is a simple process. It requires only one machine that can easily be added to an existing setup without needing any facility modifications. Once it’s running, it doesn’t need any downtime and can actively decontaminate cannabis 24/7.
Cryo-pasteurization, on the other hand, has a few more variables. At the moment, it is not something that can be permanently incorporated into an operation. Instead, it is a mobile machine that is brought on-site when remediation is needed. This hassle subjects users to inconveniences like conflicting schedules, vehicle breakdowns, and traffic.
Using cryo-pasteurization to decontaminate your cannabis also reduces product packaging options since dormant mold spores are not eliminated and therefore need to be addressed with low-oxygen packaging. With RF, the end product can be packaged however the producer sees fit because active and dormant pathogens alike are killed.
Conclusion: Why European Cannabis Producers Should Choose Radio Frequency for Remediation
Both cryo-pasteurization and Radio Frequency offer cannabis producers a non-ionizing option for remediation, but only one effectively kills active and dormant pathogens.
RF cannabis decontamination is the top choice for businesses looking to leverage the global cannabis market. It’s cost-effective, can easily and quickly be incorporated into a new or existing operation, and cleans cannabis at a level that cryo-pasteurization inherently cannot achieve.
Want to see how Radio Frequency can revolutionize your cannabis remediation?
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.
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!
Want Organic Cannabis? Operators Are Turning To This Tech To Save Millions And Get Certified
How Radio frequency Technology Works
Ziel's radiofrequency (RF) technology offers a non-ionizing solution to microbial contamination in cannabis, which can cause serious health risks for consumers and lead to costly regulatory shutdowns for operators.
De Cordova explained how RF technology works at a molecular level: "RF technology operates on the premise that water molecules have both a positive and negative polarity. By aligning these water molecules with an electromagnetic field, we create friction, which generates thermal energy."
The key to Ziel’s solution is volumetric heating. When cannabis flower is placed inside the RF machine, the entire product is heated evenly from edge to edge, unlike conventional methods where heat is applied from the outside, often resulting in uneven heating. De Cordova illustrated the difference.
"If you think about cooking a turkey in the oven, the outside gets overcooked while the inside may still be undercooked. But with RF technology, we achieve the target kill temperature of 80°C throughout the entire flower without burning the outside. This uniform heating is crucial because if any part of the flower doesn’t reach 80°C, the microbial contaminants won't be fully eradicated," he explained.
Non-Ionizing Vs. Ionizing: The Organic Advantage
This method of volumetric heating is what sets RF apart from traditional techniques like X-rays. Both gamma and E-beam methods work by altering the molecular structure of the cannabis, which can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes that are essential for the product’s potency, flavor and aroma.
"RF preserves the sensory qualities of cannabis," de Cordova said, "because it heats the flower uniformly without damaging the integrity of its cannabinoids or terpenes."
He further explained that RF technology operates on the non-ionizing side of the electromagnetic spectrum, which makes it an organic-compliant solution. In contrast, ionizing technologies like gamma radiation and X-rays alter the molecular structure of the matter, disqualifying those methods from being used in organic products.
Sustainable And Scalable Technology
Additionally, RF technology uses only electricity, requiring no harmful chemicals, gases, or ventilation systems, further enhancing its appeal to operators looking for sustainable and efficient decontamination methods. "Our machines are compact and scalable —requiring only 240V single-phase power—, making them accessible for operators of all sizes," de Cordova noted.
De Cordova highlighted the efficiency of the machine: "In about 15 minutes, the machine processes up to five pounds of cannabis flower."
How Ziel's Technology Supports Organic Certification
For operators seeking organic certification, Ziel's RF technology provides a clear advantage. "Our technology is non-ionizing, meaning it qualifies as organic," de Cordova said. In contrast, ionizing methods like gamma and X-ray do not meet organic standards.
This is especially important for markets where USDA Organic compliance is a key differentiator for cannabis products.
Competitive Edge: Efficiency And Cost Savings
Ziel's RF machines offer significant savings compared to competitors. “In 24 hours, our machine can process 480 pounds of cannabis, while similar machines using other technologies can only process 90 pounds,” de Cordova explained.
This efficiency, combined with the technology's ability to prevent product failures, helps operators recover costs quickly. "With a 10% failure rate, an operator could recoup that in just a few months by salvaging otherwise lost product."
Ziel’s machines are also certified for use in Europe, with their first installation in Portugal. "We partnered with a GMP facility here in Portugal and went through the rigorous process of certifying the machine for use in the European market," de Cordova said. This certification process is critical, especially for exporting cannabis to strict markets like Germany, where compliance with GMP standards is mandatory.
Why Differentiating Between Remediation and a Microbial Control Solution Matters for Your Cannabis Business
As the cannabis market continues to evolve and mature, so too do approaches to cannabis operations. For example, when it comes to regulatory compliance for mold and other pathogens, a current, popular strategy among cannabis cultivators is to roll the dice and send untreated product to the lab in hopes that it passes microbial testing.
However, any product that fails microbial testing must be remediated, a process that is negatively perceived by consumers, who view remediated cannabis as inherently flawed. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, have banned this remediation approach altogether because of the risks associated with moldy product unintentionally getting to market. If flower in Pennsylvania fails microbial testing, growers may choose to have it re-tested without remediating it. If it fails again, the flower must be thrown out, or in specific circumstances, may be used to create topical products only.[1]
Remediation Doesn’t Need to Be Reactive
To avoid these issues, many operators are changing their approach to meeting regulatory compliance. Instead of reactively remediating failed flower, they’re incorporating a microbial contamination control solution into their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) before sending their product out for testing. This proactive approach is similar to the milk industry, which pasteurizes all milk prior to sale out of an abundance of caution. For cannabis operators, this strategy avoids failing tests, reduces the added expense of retesting, and ensures a predictable, safe product hits the shelves.
With rescheduling in the US on the horizon, there is now an even more compelling reason to proactively incorporate a microbial control solution versus reacting with remediation. The FDA and USDA will soon gain access to states’ medical marijuana programs, in turn bringing the industry one step closer to the eventual federal oversight of recreational cannabis markets.
The reactive approach to regulatory compliance through remediation runs in opposition to how the FDA and USDA currently regulate manufacturers and protect consumer safety. When the federal government does decide to regulate cannabis, it’s likely they’ll approach it like any other agricultural commodity or medical product and will require cultivators to treat their flower for mold and pathogens before sending it out for testing.
If cultivators want to prepare for the future of the cannabis market, they must adjust their approach to regulatory compliance and embrace a proactive decontamination strategy.
Microbial Contamination Control Solutions
There are several microbial contamination control solutions available to cannabis cultivators, though not all are ideal when considering what federal oversight may entail, including labeling requirements and organic certification.
With this looming federal oversight in mind, microbial control solutions that use ionizing radiation to treat mold and pathogens should be avoided. Ionizing radiation can change the molecular structure of the flower, as well as its moisture and terpene content. Because of this, products treated with ionizing radiation may become subject to specific labeling requirements, like adding the Radura—the international symbol for radiation—to their packaging.
That molecular change also means any product treated with ionizing radiation is not eligible for USDA Organic status, a label that could become available to cannabis once it’s rescheduled to Schedule III.
Ionizing Radiation Microbial Control Solutions:
- Gamma radiation
- E-beam radiation
- X-ray radiation
Non-Ionizing Radiation Microbial Control Solutions
Non-ionizing radiation, on the other hand, does not alter the molecular structure of what it’s treating, making it the front-running microbial control solution for cannabis cultivators. The most readily available and reliable non-ionizing solution for cannabis cultivators is Radio Frequency (RF).
RF has been used to treat nuts and dates for decades and has already been approved by federal authorities for USDA Organic operations.
The Benefits of Being Proactive With Radio Frequency
Incorporating an RF microbial control solution into your SOPs now is the fastest and easiest way to efficiently run your business and start preparing for federal change.
The Ziel RFX and APEX 7 are the industry’s only non-ionizing solutions that boast a 99.9% regulatory compliance pass rate. Operators who use them are set up for success in a few ways:
- RF is already approved for USDA Organic operations, so when that certification becomes available to the cannabis industry, cultivators who use the machine and meet the rest of the National Organic Program (NOP) requirements will be eligible for the USDA Organic label.
- Ziel’s RF technology has been EU GMP validated, a requirement for all processors seeking to bring product to market in Europe. Additionally, using RF enables processors to more easily sell in Germany, Europe's largest and fastest-growing market, which has a restrictive stance on the use of ionizing radiation.
- Both the Ziel RFX and APEX 7 can be set up on-site without building modifications and be working within a week.
- Both machines can decontaminate 160 pounds of raw cannabis flower per eight-hour shift.
- RF technology does not alter the molecular structure of the flower, so brands with a health-conscious customer base can continue to provide their consumers with a clean product.
“We’ve already seen cultivators in states like New Mexico, where the only pathogen tested for is Aspergillus, adding the Ziel RFX to their SOPs to prepare for change at the federal—and even state—level,” Ziel CEO and Co-Founder, Arthur de Cordova, noted recently. “The same thing is happening in Mississippi, where cultivators are preparing as the state makes moves to expand their testing requirements from only E-coli and Aspergillus to a full panel similar to Colorado’s. State programs are making changes as the federal reschedule draws nearer.”
Start Preparing Now
The cannabis industry is changing across the world. Standard testing procedures are in the industry’s future not just at the federal level, but also at the global level as cross-border trade increases, especially throughout Europe.
Operators must start preparing for a more regulated and standardized industry if they want to survive these changes, and that starts with reframing their attitude toward remediation. It’s no longer about reactively killing mold—it’s about proactively ensuring your product hits the market shelves.
To future-proof your business with the Ziel RFX or APEX 7, get in touch with Ziel today.
Business Risks of Selling Moldy Weed
Choosing Not To Decontaminate Your Flower Puts Your Business, Your Customers, and Your State’s Cannabis Program at Risk
Operating in the cannabis industry comes with its fair share of risk. It’s federally illegal, it’s cut-throat competitive, and taxes are steep.
With these outside forces constantly working against you, cannabis risk management boils down to one strategy—running a clean, tight grow that doesn’t give your state any reason to get involved in your business.
One of the biggest reasons your state has to involve itself in your business is if you fail regulatory compliance. But it’s not the failing that’s the real red flag; that can be addressed. It’s the selling of failed, moldy weed that sounds the alarm.
Producing and selling moldy weed puts your business, your customers, and your state’s cannabis program at risk. And once the plant is rescheduled, federal eyes will be watching the industry along with the eyes of your state’s program, and selling moldy weed to consumers could come with even greater consequences.
Risks to Your Customers
Selling moldy weed puts your customers’ health at risk. It can cause issues like:
- coughing
- nausea and vomiting
- congestion
- wheezing and shortness of breath
Some factors can increase the risks of smoking moldy weed, including if the customer is allergic to mold or has a weakened immune system. In these cases, inflammation of the lungs and sinuses can also occur.[1]
In extreme cases, cannabis patients who’ve inhaled moldy weed have been hospitalized and/or have died.
Risks to your Employees
Selling moldy weed puts your customers’ health at risk. It can cause issues like:
- coughing
- nausea and vomiting
- congestion
- wheezing and shortness of breath
Some factors can increase the risks of smoking moldy weed, including if the customer is allergic to mold or has a weakened immune system. In these cases, inflammation of the lungs and sinuses can also occur.[1]
In extreme cases, cannabis patients who’ve inhaled moldy weed have been hospitalized and/or have died.
Risks to Your State's Program
All of the above risks jeopardize your state’s cannabis program. The cannabis industry as a whole is still new enough that one uncooperative business brings all others into question. If one business chooses to disregard regulatory compliance and sell moldy weed to the masses, customers, employees, and regulators alike will become suspicious of all cannabis businesses.
This suspicion can cause the state to investigate its program as a whole, but it can also cause customers and employees to take matters into their own hands. And if there’s one thing worse than regulators questioning the validity and integrity of its cannabis license holders, it’s paying customers and hard-working employees questioning the validity of the state’s program in general. Without their support, there is no program.
For example, a 2016 letter to the editor published in the Clinical Microbiology and Infection (CMI) Journal called out cannabis samples from legal operations in northern California for “numerous Gram-negative bacilli and fungal pathogens contaminating medical marijuana” which “pose a grave risk” to consumers, especially those who are immunocompromised. Two of the letter’s authors were employed at a commercial cannabis testing lab.
Likewise, the Massachusetts business currently facing a $200K fine mentioned earlier was called out by its own employees and a few of its customers.
This type of distrust within the industry is not lost on consumers or state regulators. The more eyes that are brought upon a state’s program, the more trust between customer and business is eroded, and the more the state may feel it needs to be involved.
Risks to Your Bottom Line
Consumers do not need to give any cannabis business a second chance. No matter which state you’re in, the market is saturated and there is always another brand they can try instead. If they buy an eighth of your flower only to discover it’s coated in mold, your business may experience backlash or reputation damage that could negatively impact your brand and your bottom line.
For example, recently, the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued a Health and Safety Advisory for flower sold by one particular brand. The advisory states the brand sold flower that was “...tested and found to have exceeded acceptable limits established for Total Yeast and Mold.”
According to the advisory, 12 dispensary storefronts were selling this moldy weed. While the extent of the hit this brand will take isn’t yet clear, it’s likely their operator’s distribution system is now corrupted as those storefronts will be hesitant to purchase from them again. And with word out to the industry and the public, it will be hard for them to find other distributors.
Similarly, retaining staff after employees, customers, or the state issues a health advisory like this one can be difficult and could derail this brand’s operations.
The spotlight put on a state’s cannabis program after one of its license holders pushes contaminated products can lead to greater oversight and more intense regulations, ultimately costing growers more time and money to remain compliant.
The Most Cost-Effective Strategy for Decontaminating Cannabis
Several options are available to cannabis operators looking to decontaminate their flower. Ionizing radiation technologies like gamma, E-beam, and X-ray are one option; however, these change the molecular structure of the plant, altering its chemical makeup. Additionally, all three come with extra costs—gamma and E-beam decontamination must be done offsite, and X-ray requires the purchase of extra chiller equipment if you choose to do it onsite.
Non-ionizing radiation is considered a safer option for decontaminating cannabis flower. In particular, radio frequency (RF) is a frontrunner for states and other countries currently discussing and implementing regulatory requirements. RF has been used in the agricultural sector for decades and is approved by the National Organic Program (NOP) and the USDA for organic operations as it does not alter the molecular structure of the plant.
Explore Radio Frequency Decontamination for Your Business
Ziel currently leads the industry for radio frequency decontamination with the Ziel RFX. The machine can be easily integrated into your current operation and working within one week, processing up to 160 pounds of flower in an eight-hour shift.
Using the Ziel RFX guarantees greater than a 99% pass rate for regulatory compliance, essentially eliminating all of the risks to your business discussed above.
If you’re curious to learn more about how radio frequency can improve your business and safeguard it from regulatory issues, get in touch with Ziel today.
Cannabis Decontamination: Radio Frequency vs. Cold Plasma
Explore the Differences Between the Two Remediation Technologies
As the cannabis market continues to expand across the globe, growers, manufacturers, and lawmakers are turning their attention to cannabis microbial treatment technologies and what each kind means for the plant and the consumer. Producers and regulators alike are leaning toward non-ionizing decontamination solutions like Radio Frequency (RF) and cold plasma over ionizing technologies like gamma, e-beam, and X-ray, particularly because of their effects (or lack thereof) on the flower, and subsequently, the consumer.
There are some distinct differences between non-ionizing techs like RF and cold plasma, however, that cannabis growers and regulators should consider before choosing one over the other. Keep reading for a deep dive into the differences between the two and what they could ultimately mean for the consumer.
Key Differences Between Radio Frequency and Cold Plasma
Learn the definition, treatment effectiveness, and USDA status / EUGMP qualification status of RF and cold plasma.
Definitions:
Radio Frequency Microbial Treatment
Radio Frequency treatment works by penetrating cannabis flower with long, low-energy wavelengths that create an oscillating electromagnetic field around and within the flower, down to the core of the bud. This causes the flower’s moisture molecules to vibrate with the electromagnetic field, creating thermal heat that kills mold and pathogens but doesn’t harm the flower’s molecular structure or chemical content.
Cold Plasma
Plasma is commonly considered the fourth state of matter and is created by initiating a high-voltage electrical charge within a gas, in turn creating a cloud of electrons, ions, photons, and free radicals. These particles have excess energy that they essentially “transfer” to whatever comes in contact with their cloudlike form. When they come in contact with cannabis flower, they trigger oxidative reactions on the surface of the flower, poking holes through the membranes of fungi, bacteria, and mold spores as well as damaging their DNA.[1
“Because it generates free radicals, the use of Cold plasma raises concerns about the potential unintended consequences and health risks, emphasizing the necessity for thorough safety assessments in its applications.” - Parastoo Yaghmaee, Ph.D. | VP, Research & Development at Ziel
Treatment Effectiveness
Radio Frequency Treatment
RF penetrates the entire cannabis flower, disinfecting the inside and the outside of the bud. In doing so, it cleans the entire flower, protecting consumers from inhaling mold spores and producers from failing regulatory testing. The process is so effective it guarantees a compliance pass rate that’s greater than 99 percent.
RF is a thermal process, but its energy is low enough that the heat it creates doesn’t degrade or decarb the cannabinoid or terpene content of the flower. The process doesn’t use any chemicals or ionizing radiation and leaves no residue behind.
Cold Plasma Treatment
Cold plasma, on the other hand, only eliminates mold and pathogens located on the surface of the flower, ignoring any spores or bacteria that have reached the core of the bud.
For example, “bud rot,” or Botrytis, which is a common mold in cannabis grows, tends to infect the stem within the core of a cannabis flower first.[2] Surface-level remediation likely wouldn’t penetrate deep enough to attack this type of pathogen.
Cold plasma treatment has also shown to have little effect on cannabinoid and terpene content, and some cold plasma treatments have shown a more than 99 percent pass rate for regulatory compliance.
USDA Recognition + GMP and EU GMP Qualification
Radio Frequency Is Organic
Although a fairly new decontamination technology (the first tech was released to market by Ziel in 2008), RF remediation is already used in agriculture, particularly in the food sectors of nuts, seeds, dates, and prunes. Because of this, the USDA has already looked into the technology and deemed it compliant with USDA Organic standards. Foods treated with this solution can earn the label of USDA Organic, and it’s assumed that once cannabis is federally legalized or rescheduled, cannabis operations that use RF remediation (and meet the other USDA standards) will be able to earn the USDA Organic label as well.
RF has also been approved for incorporation into GMP and EUGMP-certified operations.
Cold Plasma Is Currently Undetermined for Organic Status
Cold plasma is also new to food remediation, with studies on the technology’s effect on food starting around 2000. Despite being introduced before RF, it’s still unclear whether or not cannabis treated with cold plasma would qualify for USDA Organic status once the plant is federally legalized or rescheduled. Currently, this treatment option is not yet approved by the USDA or the FDA for food.
Tech on the Market
Radio Frequency with Ziel
Ziel offers patented Radio Frequency remediation for the cannabis industry with its RFX. This machine can run 24/7, processing up to 160 lb of cannabis every 8 hours. Batches treated with it pass regulatory compliance more than 99% of the time. This is largely due to Ziel’s creation of customized decontamination recipes that are designed around the specific growing conditions and strain of each batch that’s run through the machine.
Cold Plasma Tech
The current cold plasma decontamination machine on the market for cannabis does not offer the ability to customize treatment recipes and instead comes with pre-set recipes. Its processing capacity and machine up-time are not currently advertised. It claims a similar regulatory compliance pass rate.
Get in Touch With Ziel Today
If you have more questions about the differences between RF and cold plasma, or if you’re ready to get started with Radio Frequency microbial treatment, get in touch with us today. Our team is happy to help you explore the best remediation option for your operation.
Why Radio Frequency Is a Superior Solution to Ionizing Radiation for Both Cannabis Regulators and Consumers
Similar to other agricultural commodities, cannabis must pass regulatory compliance testing for microbial pathogens before it can be legally sold to consumers. Currently, cannabis cultivators have a few options to treat their flower, the most common being: ionizing radiation technology like gamma, X-ray, and e-beam or non-ionizing radiation such as radio frequency.
Although the legal cannabis industry is new across the globe, a trend in cannabis decontamination tech is already emerging. While both ionizing and non-ionizing tech are equally successful in reducing mold and pathogens, the similarity ends when evaluating the impact on the original product quality. So much so that regulators in Canada and Germany have implemented extra rules for product treated with ionizing radiation to warn consumers of its usage, and states in the United States are discussing the same.
Cultivators have also taken note of the current regulations and ongoing conversations around cannabis decontamination. Seeing the writing on the wall, forward-thinking operators are future-proofing their business and electing non-ionizing solutions for their post-harvest operations.
Ionizing vs. Non-Ionizing Radiation
The difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation goes down to the molecular level..
Ionizing radiation such as gamma, X-ray, and e-beam use high energy wavelengths to penetrate cannabis flower, simultaneously killing mold and pathogen DNA while removing electrons from the atoms and molecules of the flower. This molecular change of electrons essentially nullifies the natural integrity of the flower, eliminating the enzymatic properties of the plant that are responsible for its unique characteristics.
Non-ionizing radiation such as Radio Frequency uses longer, lower energy wavelengths to penetrate the cannabis flower. These wavelengths create an oscillating electromagnetic field around and within the flower, causing its moisture molecules to vibrate in unison with it. This rapid oscillation creates just enough thermal heat to kill mold and pathogens without harming the flower’s molecular structure or chemical or enzymatic content.
This distinction is why regulators remain concerned about cannabis flower treated with ionizing radiation. While states in the US can currently make their own determinations about cannabis decontamination requirements, bellwether countries such as Germany are making decisions on a grander scale. Regulations enacted in Germany are influencing policy regulators in the emerging EU market and having ripple effects in more established markets like Canada.
Current Regulations Against Ionizing Radiation
Germany’s medical marijuana program was launched in 2017 and its recreational program in 2023. Despite both programs being limited, the country still has to import the majority of the cannabis it sells from Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Portugal, Macedonia and Malta because of domestic production caps on the three licensed cannabis producers in Germany. To help protect their consumers from imported cannabis that’s been treated with ionizing radiation, the country has implemented AMradV regulations. These rules require cultivators to obtain a license for each strain treated with ionizing radiation, costing € 4,500 and around 12 months in processing time per registration.
Likewise, in Canada, cultivators using ionizing decontamination to clean their cannabis must label each product with the Radura, the international symbol that indicates a product has been irradiated.[1] Recent trends show Canadian consumers starting to steer clear of cannabis labeled with the Radura because, by Canadian law, if cannabis has been treated with ionizing radiation, it cannot be considered or labeled as organic.
In the United States, cannabis regulators in Nevada have been in discussion for two years about whether or not to label cannabis products that have been treated with ionizing radiation with the Radura symbol. They’re considering the USDA’s current guidelines on labeling food treated with ionizing radiation, which requires the Radura symbol, though a final decision has yet to be made.
Since the cannabis plant remains federally illegal in the United States, cultivators currently can’t qualify as organic operations like Canadian cultivators can. But once the plant is legalized at the federal level, and if the FDA sticks with the same guidelines the USDA and National Organic Program (NOP)currently have for food products treated with ionizing radiation, any cultivator using ionizing radiation will be ineligible for organic status and will have to label their products with the Radura symbol.
Essentially, across the globe, ionizing cannabis remediation costs the cultivator more money in labeling, licensing, and consumer satisfaction.
Other Costs of Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing cannabis remediation has 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—a strong proxy for when the feds inherits the cannabis portfolio.
Ziel Leads the Way for Radio Frequency Remediation
Ziel is the global market leader in non-ionizing radiation treatment with Radio Frequency. Our RFX is easily integrated into an existing operation, requiring zero facility changes. Unlike X-ray equipment, which must be cooled, the RFX can run 24/7, processing 1-6 pounds of cannabis every 14 minutes.
Cultivators who choose Ziel’s Radio Frequency remediation technology have the ability to monitor every batch treated so they can dial in specific treatment recipes for each of their strains. The RFX compliance pass rate is >99%, saving cultivators an average of $1.1 million each year in lost revenue.
*CAPEX - Capital Expenditure *OPEX - Operational Expenditure
Leverage Radio Frequency in Your Operation
As countries around the world continue to dive into the cannabis industry, regulators are prioritizing cannabis remediation laws to protect their consumers. Those cultivators that choose to meet regulatory requirements via ionizing radiation are quickly learning that the associated costs aren’t worth the risk.
Radio Frequency is the safest and most cost-effective cannabis remediation option for cultivators and consumers. Contact Ziel today to learn how to incorporate the Radio Frequency solution into your SOPs, increase your yields, and future-proof your business.
Why a remediation ‘kill step’ is necessary for cannabis.
New York’s Medical Cannabis Industry Association commissioned a report on recreational cannabis products sold in over 20 illicit retail stores in New York City. More than 40% of the products purchased failed for microbial contaminants and lead, representing an alarming health risk to consumers.
The Future of Cannabis Sterilization
“The Future of Cannabis Sterilization” written by Kenneth Morrow, takes a high-level look at what issues cultivators face after their harvest. Post-harvest processes have yet to be defined for the industry and choosing the correct remediation technology will ensure producers can meet state microbial regulatory compliance.