Germany Cannabis Remediation,
Regulations + Market Updates
Germany’s adult-use market hit its one-year anniversary on April 1, 2025. As expected, the industry exploded over its first 365 days.
Both recreational and medical markets are seeing massive increases in consumer demand, which has led to a surge in imports from Canada, Portugal, the Netherlands, and other countries. Q4 2024 saw a rise in imports by 53% compared to Q3 2024 and 272% compared to Q4 2023. [1]
In 2025, Germany’s cannabis industry is expected to earn around €1 billion in revenue.[2]
Germany’s Current and Future Cannabis Supply
As its industry continues to boom, Germany will continue to import the majority of the cannabis products it sells.
When the CanG reform bill passed in April of 2024, it opened up domestic production within Germany. Previously, only three operations had been federally approved within the country’s borders. Still, it’s expected to take years for domestic production to be fully scaled and able to support German consumer demand. In the meantime, the country will maintain its reliance on imports from other countries.
Germany approaches its cannabis industry the same way it approaches pharmaceuticals, meaning anyone who wants to import to or produce within the country must meet strict regulatory requirements.
Germany Cannabis Remediation:
Exporting/Importing Requirements
Like any pharmaceutical product sold in Germany, cannabis manufacturers must earn an EU-GMP certification for their facilities.
The EU-GMP certification process reviews every part of production, from major components like the machinery used and the procedures followed, to smaller items like ensuring the proper signage has been placed around the facility. The goal of the EU-GMP certification is to guarantee that the process used to produce a particular product is repeatable and consistent, making the same product every time.
A major part of that review is microbial compliance, around which Germany has the strictest requirements in the world. Their laws address topics like:
- Cannabinoid Content: The total THC and CBD levels in a product must not deviate by more than ±10% from labeled values, ensuring consistency and consumer safety.
- Foreign Matter: The presence of seeds, insects, mold, or other contaminants is prohibited.
- Heavy Metals: There are specific limits for arsenic, cadmium, and lead, with stricter thresholds for inhaled products due to higher patient exposure risks.
- Loss on Drying: The maximum allowable moisture content is 12%.
They also require all cannabis flower to achieve the same approved microbial limits as is allowed for all Herbal Drugs under their Pharmaceutical Monograph. This requires operators to remediate their flower. [3]
Cannabis remediation falls into two categories: ionizing and non-ionizing. German regulators prefer non-ionizing technologies because they’re safer for the product and the consumer, and because of this, they entice operators to use them over ionizing options.
Germany Encourages Non-Ionizing Remediation for Cannabis
Ionizing radiation, such as gamma, e-beam, and X-ray technologies, alters the molecular structure of the plant. Operators who decontaminate their flower using these options must apply for an AMRadV license for every cannabis strain they treat before that strain can be sold in Germany. This process is costly (around €4,500 per license) and slow, often taking up to 12 months for approval.
In contrast, non-ionizing remediation methods like Radio Frequency (RF) do not require AMRadV licensing. Because non-ionizing technologies do not affect the molecular integrity of the plant, they’re considered a gentler, safer, and more regulatory-friendly option.
As Germany’s cannabis market scales, cultivators and importers are increasingly seeking non-ionizing cannabis remediation options to ensure faster compliance, reduce regulatory risk, and save money.
Ziel RFX: The Compliance Solution
for Germany Cannabis Remediation
Radio Frequency works by penetrating the cannabis flower with long, low-energy wavelengths. The vibration from these radio waves causes the water molecules inside the plant to vibrate in unison, generating enough heat to kill microbial pathogens without harming the plant’s chemical compounds.
Choosing non-ionizing technology like RF to achieve microbial compliance is the most cost-effective solution for those looking to export cannabis to Germany. The technology has already been approved for USDA Organic operations in other industries and is currently being used in EU-GMP certified cannabis productions in Europe, making it easy to incorporate it into facilities that are already EU-GMP certified or those that are looking to become certified.
Ziel’s RFX machine, the leading Radio Frequency decontamination solution, has the largest throughput of any microbial control solution on the market today, making it ideal for cultivators looking to process large volumes.
Using Ziel’s Business Case Calculator, cultivators can determine how much revenue the RFX will recover for their business by increasing harvest yields, avoiding compliance failure, and eliminating the need to send contaminated product off to extraction. This, in turn, also eliminates the subsequent costs for retesting. Cultivators interested in exporting to Germany are also encouraged to add up how much they’d spend in time and money on AMRadV licenses for each of their strains treated with ionizing radiation, an expense that’s nonexistent with Ziel’s RF technology.
Cost Savings of Radio Frequency
Cannabis Decontamination with Ziel
To better understand just how much money the RFX can save cannabis manufacturers, explore the example below.
Using a wholesale selling price of €4,000/kg, if a processor failed 20% of their annual harvest, they would be forced to retest, treat again, or offload the failed product to a manufacturer for a deep discount—as much as 90%, or €400. This snapshot shows the revenue a business will recover within the first year of using the RFX, based on recovering 20% of the harvest that fails microbial testing on 1,000 kgs of dry flower harvested annually.
In this example, more than €720,000 of revenue is recovered in the first year alone. That’s more than double the cost of the RFX.
The Future of Germany’s Cannabis Market
Cannabis cultivators looking to join Germany’s market must have a mold treatment solution in place. Radio Frequency is the safest and most cost-effective option on the market, requiring no additional licensing and operating in alignment with EU-GMP processing guidelines.
If you’re looking to streamline your product’s entry and position in the German cannabis market, let’s talk. Ziel’s RFX offers the largest throughput of any technology currently available and boasts a >99% pass rate for regulatory compliance. Together, we can get you set up to leverage what’s shaping up to be one of the largest cannabis markets in the world.
The Hidden Mold Crisis in Cannabis:
Inside "Lab Gate"
The cannabis industry is dealing with a major scandal—some are calling it “Lab Gate.” Testing labs are supposed to protect consumers, but instead, some are helping moldy cannabis pass inspections and land on dispensary shelves.
Take Massachusetts. Labs there have been warning for years that mold-contaminated products are hitting dispensary shelves. But instead of taking action, regulators turned a blind eye—until a consumer advisory last month finally acknowledged the issue. Meanwhile, Colorado is dealing with its own mess. An investigation found massive testing fraud, with labs manipulating results to make products seem safer than they really are.
At Ziel, we believe testing alone isn’t enough if labs are not consistently reliable. That’s why our Apex 7 and RFX decontamination systems go beyond testing—they address mold and pathogens before the product reaches consumers.
Mold Contamination: The Scandal Goes Deeper
Here's the truth: state cannabis testing rules and enforcement are inconsistent. In some states, businesses can get away with selling contaminated products simply because regulators don’t enforce strict enough standards.
In New Jersey, regulators just updated their rules to tighten things up:
- Smaller batch sizes for testing (now capped at 33.07 lbs instead of 100 lbs)
- No more lab shopping—businesses can’t just hop from one lab to another to get the results they want
- Standardized lab testing protocols for pesticides, heavy metals, and mold
But even with tougher regulations, the same tricks are happening in other states.
Colorado’s cannabis industry is riddled with loopholes. A deep dive into 325,000 mold tests found shady patterns—labs were tweaking results to just barely meet legal limits. Even worse, some companies were remediating only their samples before testing to guarantee a pass, while selling the rest of the batch untreated and untested.
And then there’s Massachusetts. Testing labs there warned regulators for years, providing hundreds of data points showing moldy cannabis being sold. The response? Crickets. Some cannabis workers have even reported being told to "just pick out the moldy pieces" and sell the rest. As reported by GBH in their investigative article on mold contamination in cannabis, these warnings were largely ignored by the Cannabis Control Commission despite mounting evidence.
This isn’t just about bad business practices. Mold spores can cause serious health problems, especially for people with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems. Yet weak oversight allows this problem to continue.
Decontamination: The Only Way to Fix This Mess
Testing is important, but here’s the real question: what happens when cannabis mold counts are above state regulatory limits?
Some companies turn to chemical treatments or irradiation, but those methods can impact the product’s taste, smell, and potency. However, there is a better option..
Ziel’s radio frequency (RF) decontamination technology mitigates mold without damaging the product. The Apex 7 and RFX machines use RF energy to kill mold, bacteria, and other microbes while preserving the flower’s organoleptic qualities.
Cannabis cultivators that use Ziel’s technology don’t have to hope their product is safe—they know it is.
And if you’re a consumer, there are ways to access a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) before you buy. This report shows whether a product was properly tested and free from harmful contaminants. These COAs are available through various channels, including dispensary websites, QR codes on product packaging, in-store access, or by directly requesting them from the producer or dispensary staff.
The Industry Needs to Clean Up Its Act
In order for the Cannabis Industry to succeed, it can’t afford another Lab Gate.
Here’s what needs to change:
- Regulators need to enforce stricter testing rules and crack down on fraud.
- Labs must stop manipulating results—passing moldy products to keep clients happy is unacceptable.
- Cultivators must invest in real decontamination solutions instead of hoping they can slide by with weak testing.
At Ziel, we’re giving cannabis businesses the tools to produce truly clean cannabis—so consumers stay safe and cultivators can protect their brand. Want to address mold contamination for good? Let’s talk.
Contact our team today or visit our website to see how Ziel’s technology can keep your cannabis clean, safe, and trustworthy.
References
*1. LeMoult, C. (2025, February 12). Labs warn mold contamination is more widespread than Cannabis Control Commission has let on. GBH News.
*2. Wyloge, E., & Osher, C. (2025, February 21). Is Colorado cannabis safe? Testing for potency, contaminants riddled with loopholes. The Denver Gazette.
*3. New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. (2025, February 19). NJ-CRC adopts new cannabis testing guidelines.
*4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Cannabis Use and Fungal Infections in a Commercially Insured Population, United States, 2016
*5. New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. (2025, March 4). High Points: Understanding Certificates of Analysis.
MG Magazine's: Breakout Cannabis Cultivation Products for 2025
Mold and other pathogens can be devastating to any cannabis cultivation operation. Ziel’s new RFX remediation machine uses radio frequency technology to clean moldy flower. The non-ionizing technology creates an oscillating electromagnetic field that syncs with the flower’s moisture content, spinning 27 million times per second and creating enough friction to heat and kill microbial pathogens without damaging or decarboxylating THC.
Check out the full article linked here!
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.
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!
Colombia Emerging as a Global Supplier of Cannabis
Arthur de Cordova, the CEO & Co-Founder of Ziel, an international cannabis and agricultural microbial control solutions company, tells Business of Cannabis how Colombia is making major steps towards solidifying its foothold in the European cannabis market, and across the globe.
Global opportunities in the cannabis industry are at an all-time high, with markets in the European Union, the United States, Latin America, and Canada all maturing and experiencing significant growth.
As these markets evolve, the standardisation of regulations for imports and exports is expected to streamline the global cannabis trade.
Major exporters of medical cannabis, such as Colombia, are in a position to become early market leaders by complying with the regulations of nations that currently rely on international imports due to limited or no domestic production capabilities.
Colombia’s Emergence as a Key Cannabis Player
Since legalizing medical cannabis in 2016, Colombia has rapidly developed its production and distribution capabilities.
This advancement accelerated the establishment of regulatory processes needed for exporting cannabis, especially after the country lifted its ban on the export of dried cannabis flower in 2021.
This regulatory shift marked a pivotal moment for the country’s cannabis industry, presenting a significant opportunity for Colombia to influence the global market by becoming a leading export hub.
Colombia’s environment is ideal for large-scale outdoor cultivation, offering 12 hours of daily sun year-round which allows for multiple cannabis harvests annually.
Additionally, labor and land are more economical in Colombia than in places like Europe and the US, positioning the country to emerge as one of the world’s foremost low-cost suppliers.
In order to export to a growing number of countries, Colombia is adhering to regulations that are standard across Europe for producing organic cannabis.
Colombian growers seeking to export to the over 20 European countries that have legalised medical cannabis, including Albania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Ireland, must follow EU GACP (Good Agricultural and Collecting Practice) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines for growing and manufacturing, and adhere to microbial limits established by the European Pharmacopoeia.
By implementing these standards, Colombia is prepared to meet the rising demand for cannabis across the EU, signaling rapid and continuous growth for Colombian cannabis exports. Consequently, international investment in Colombia’s cannabis industry has continued to expand, with a focus on exporting to Europe and Australia.
In Germany, wholesale importers favor cannabis treated with non-ionizing radio frequency over ionizing radiation due to the added burden of registering products treated with ionizing radiation (AMRadV which can lead to an 8-12 month approval process).
Moreover, consumer preferences are also driving demand for products not treated with ionizing radiation (X-Ray, gamma, E-beam). With a focus on low-cost outdoor cultivation and influxes of international investment, Colombian growers are poised to meet the increased demand for non-ionized, organically treated cannabis in Europe.
Colombia’s focus on adhering to global standards hints at a promising future where quality and consumer safety are guaranteed in every harvest worldwide.
Visit the original Business of Cannabis article, here.
Opportunities and Benefits of Producing Organic Cannabis Around the World
The allure of organically grown products resonates with consumers worldwide, and cannabis is no exception. From Canada to Colombia, the quest for organic cannabis is reshaping markets and regulations, promising a future where quality and consumer safety are guaranteed in every harvest.
As more countries around the world legalize cannabis, global legal sales are projected to hit $58 billion in just four years. With expanded access, import and export regulations are expected to be standardized to simplify the global trade of cannabis.
Read the full article on Cannabis & Tech Today.
The Hidden Implications of Cannabis Rescheduling
The FDA is Coming. Is Your Business Prepared?
In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) formally recommended marijuana be rescheduled from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III controlled substance in a first move toward federal weed legalization.
In the federal government’s eyes, this would align marijuana with drugs like ketamine and testosterone, make it federally legal to get with a prescription, and define it as having “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.” As it stands in Schedule I, the plant is currently likened to heroin and viewed as having “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”[1]
Even more momentous than the US federal government finally acknowledging the medical validity of the cannabis plant will be the effects the potential rescheduling has on the country’s 37 legal state cannabis markets (and counting).
Although there are proponents for and against the rescheduling recommendation, one major benefit the cannabis industry has acknowledged is the elimination of the 280E Internal Revenue tax code that’s currently burdening all plant-touching businesses. Under Schedule I, plant-touching businesses can only deduct costs of goods sold from their federal taxes. Other regular business expenses, which can usually be deducted to lower taxable income, like rent, utilities, advertising, and payroll, are specifically excluded under 280E. Depreciation of capital investments, such as facilities and improvements, are also excluded.
Without the ability to deduct business expenses and depreciation, the federal tax rate for plant-touching businesses can sometimes be as high as 80 percent[2], jeopardizing the chances of financial survival.
However, even without rescheduling, several MSOs have successfully challenged the 280E regulation and have begun to receive significant refunds from the IRS for previous tax periods. Rescheduling would codify the elimination of 280E for good, boosting the bottom line of all operators.
Relieving that tax burden is significant and necessary when considering the other changes that could come with cannabis rescheduling. For example, if the plant were to be rescheduled to Schedule III, medical marijuana goods would become subject to the same medical laws and requirements as other drugs in Schedule III like anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine. That means, for medical markets, there would be much greater oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With no current FDA involvement or broad standards for the types of testing medical cannabis products must pass before being eligible to sell, regulatory laws across the country are likely to experience major changes.
One potential implication of FDA cannabis regulation could be standards around mold and yeast content, something that currently varies by state. While some states have fairly strict laws around mold and yeast counts, like Massachusetts and Louisiana, others, like Connecticut and Florida, have taken a more lenient approach. Although we don’t yet know how the FDA might change mold and yeast count regulations, businesses should be prepared for change around current state-level standards.
On that topic, the FDA’s potential involvement means eligible cannabis brands may finally be able to claim USDA Organic status under the National Organic Program (NOP). However, it’s important for brands to recognize that, as it currently stands, food products treated with ionizing radiation to reduce yeast and mold counts are ineligible to be USDA Organic by NOP and FDA standards. It’s fair to assume cannabis products treated with ionizing radiation, such as X-ray, will also be ineligible for USDA Organic status, especially medical products.
Instead, the FDA could implement the USDA’s current rule for food products treated with ionizing radiation and require cannabis products treated with that technology to be labeled with the Radura, the international symbol that signifies a product has been irradiated. This label update could have a negative impact on a brand’s consumer trust and loyalty.
Time will tell whether the US federal government decides to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule III substance, but one thing that’s for certain is change at the federal level is coming, and cultivators need to have a plan in place for whenever federal oversight begins. For those concerned about passing regulatory compliance for mold and yeast content but not willing to compromise their product with ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation like Radio Frequency could be the answer.
Radio Frequency is already used to remediate foods like nuts and seeds, which are all regulated by the USDA and FDA. The technology is approved for USDA Organic operations as it has no impact on a product’s molecular structure. It simply uses long radio wavelengths to create an oscillating electromagnetic field around and within the product, causing moisture molecules to sync with the vibration and rotate in unison with it. The friction this generates creates enough heat to kill microbial pathogens without getting too hot to degrade or decarb THC, maintaining the chemical integrity of the plant.
Ziel is the cannabis industry’s leader in Radio Frequency remediation, having been granted the first-ever U.S. Patent for processes that include the treatment of cannabis with Radio Frequency in 2020. To learn more about what Ziel can do for your operation in preparation of federal change, contact us today.
Cannabis Industry Braces for EU Demand Surge Following German Legalization
And the opportunity should be "very appealing" for U.S. equipment manufacturers.
Read the full article, linked here.
Germany Reschedules Cannabis, Uncaps Domestic Production and Opens Social Clubs Across Country
Updated: May 2024
Germany’s first chapter of its journey to an adult-use market premiered on April 1, 2024.
In line with the country’s initial announcement of an adult-use market back in April of 2023, this “first pillar” of legislation includes removing cannabis from the country’s Narcotics List and scheduling it as any other prescription drug. This move makes it easier for patients to access plant medicine by eliminating cumbersome supply chain restrictions and reducing the stigma medical doctors may feel toward the plant. It also makes it easier for researchers to learn more about the plant, uncaps domestic production, and in a nod to adult use, allows the establishment of cannabis social clubs.
The country’s cannabis club structure is similar to Spain’s, requiring members to pay a membership fee in exchange for access to the plant and allowing adult-use consumption on-site. The clubs are state-controlled and not-for-profit. They start operating on July 1, 2024.
Additionally, as of April 1, individuals can now grow up to three plants on their premises.
Lawmakers are now working on the “second pillar” of cannabis legislation which is expected to eventually authorize a limited number of dispensaries in certain cities for a five-year trial period. During that time, officials and regulators will study the impact of these shops on the country’s consumption habits and black market activity before determining the next step in nationwide cannabis legalization.
Germany’s Future Cannabis Supply
Starting April 1, domestic production of cannabis in Germany is legal for anyone to partake.
For the last seven years, domestic cannabis cultivation for the country’s medical market has been limited to three federally approved suppliers. Because of this production cap, a supply gap of as much as 80% has been filled with imports primarily from Canada, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Scaling domestic production to support this new market is expected to take years. In the meantime, the adult-use market is projected to increase product demand 7-10X, creating further reliance on imports. This demand will continue to be filled by imports from the Netherlands, Canada, and Portugal, emerging players in Macedonia, Malta, and Czech, as well as low-cost suppliers from Colombia.In keeping with its intention of building a pharmaceutical-grade system in the EU and the United Kingdom, all cannabis flower in Germany, whether imported or grown domestically, is required to be grown in GACP-validated facilities and processed post-harvest in GMP-validated facilities.
Germany Cannabis Exporting/Importing Requirements
Operators exporting cannabis flower to Germany, as well as domestic producers, have principally relied on ionizing radiation technologies like X-ray, gamma, or e-beam to meet the strict microbial compliance regulations detailed in the European Pharmacopoeia, which currently governs the EU cannabis regulatory framework. Not only are these treatments expensive, but they alter the molecular structure of the plant, creating free radicals and potentially unknown medical consequences.
Germany has taken a strong stance against both domestic and imported cannabis flower that has been treated with ionizing radiation. Producers that do use ionizing radiation are required to secure an AMRadV license for each strain treated with ionizing radiation. This license can take up to 12 months to receive and costs €4,500 per strain.
Separate from this license, the country also requires all exporters and domestic producers to follow EU GACP (Good Agricultural and Collecting Practice) and EU GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines.
RFX Radio Frequency Microbial Treatment
Choosing non-ionizing technology like Radio Frequency (RF) to achieve microbial compliance is the most cost-effective solution for those looking to export cannabis to Germany. Radio Frequency is a non-ionizing radiation technology that ensures cannabis flower meets microbial compliance, doesn’t change the molecular structure of the plant, and therefore does not require AMRadV certification. Ziel’s RF technology has achieved EU GMP validation as a microbial control solution for cannabis flower and operating commercially in Europe. As a post-harvest treatment, RF can seamlessly integrate into EU GMP-certified operations.
Ziel’s RFX machine has the largest throughput of any microbial control solution on the market today, making it ideal for cultivators looking to process large volumes. Using Ziel’s Business Case Calculator, cultivators can determine how much revenue the RFX will recover for their business by increasing harvest yields, avoiding compliance failure, and eliminating the need to send contaminated product off to extraction. This, in turn, also eliminates the subsequent costs for retesting. Cultivators interested in exporting to Germany are also encouraged to add up how much they’d spend in time and money on AMRadV licenses for each of their strains treated with ionizing radiation, an expense that’s nonexistent with Ziel’s RF technology.
To better understand just how much money the RFX can save a cultivation, explore the example below. Using a wholesale selling price of €4,000/kg, if a processor failed 20% of their annual harvest, they would be forced to retest, treat again, or offload the failed product to a manufacturer for a deep discount—as much as 90%, or €400. This snapshot shows the revenue a cultivator will recover within the first year of using the RFX, based on recovering 20% of the harvest that fails microbial testing on 1,000 kgs of dry flower harvested per annum.
In this example, more than €720,000 of revenue is recovered in the first year alone—more than double the cost of the RFX!
The Future of Germany’s Cannabis Market
As Germany spends the next five years monitoring its new adult-use market and the limited number of dispensaries it’s anticipated to license, microbial compliance regulations are expected to become clarified with the release of a German monograph designed specifically to address cannabis.
Cannabis cultivators looking to join Germany’s market must have a mold treatment solution in place. Radio Frequency is the safest and most cost-effective option on the market, requiring no additional licensing and operating in alignment with EU GMP processing guidelines.If you’re looking to streamline your product’s entry and position in the German cannabis market, let’s talk. Ziel’s RFX offers the largest throughput of any technology currently available and boasts a >99% pass rate for regulatory compliance. Together, we can get you set up to leverage what’s anticipated to be one of the largest cannabis markets in the world. Get in touch with Ziel today.
Cannabis Industry Predictions 2024: Challenges and Opportunities
Written by Garrett Rudolph
There’s no question cannabis businesses are going through a challenges in 2023, but many are still optimistic about what the future holds and see a shifting of momentum in 2024 as regulations evolve and the hype of the Green Rush wears off.
Marijuana Venture spoke with more than two dozen entrepreneurs and operators in the cannabis space to get their predictions for 2024. Part 2 of this four-part series will cover the challenges and opportunities that remain for surviving businesses.
Part 1: Consumer trends
Part 2: Challenges and opportunities
Part 3: Political movement
Part 4: Business operations