As the cannabis industry grows rapidly with every state and nation that legalizes it, so does the very necessary need for technology and machinery that ensure cannabis products' cleanliness and ability to pass mandated third-party testing. One such company that's utilizing radio frequency technology to clean the cannabis buds of possible microbial contamination is Ziel. Along with this interesting usage of a field of technology luckily very commonly used in other industries as well, Ziel is expanding into European countries that have only recently legalized cannabis such as Germany and Switzerland. For a better understanding of this multi-useful technology and the complexities of legal cannabis in European countries trying to abide by prohibitive EU-related laws surrounding cannabis itself, mycannabis.com had the pleasure of speaking with Ziel CEO Arthur de Cordova.
Arthur de Cordova, CEO at Ziel – Interview Series
by Josh Kasoff
How did Ziel come into creation, and what were the cornerstone moments that led to the founding of the company?
It all began in February 2016 when Los Sueños Farms, Colorado's largest outdoor cannabis farm, was notified that the State was implementing microbial testing. Los Sueños Farms found themselves in need of a solution that would reduce their microbial bio-burden and enable them to pass the new regulatory compliance standards or risk the potential of losing their harvest, and in turn their business. Enter a young 24-year-old visionary named Ketch DeGabrielle, Operations Manager for Los Sueños Farms, who had a vision of employing commercialized pasteurization technology for the treatment of cannabis.
At the World Ag Expo in California, DeGabrielle approached Ziel (then operating as RF Biocidics) with a unique challenge: could the company’s Radio Frequency (RF) technology, already proven effective for microbial control in California’s nut and seed industries, be adapted for cannabis?
Ziel’s initial R&D testing revealed that radio frequency technology could provide cultivators with a non-ionizing, non-chemical, scalable solution for reducing microbial levels in cannabis. Recognizing the market potential, the company pivoted from its food-tech origins to develop a custom solution for Los Sueños Farms. On April 20, 2016, a prototype was successfully installed and commissioned.
Ziel thus became the first company to deliver a microbial contamination solution to the cannabis industry at a commercial scale.
Prior to Ziel’s founding, how widespread was the issue of microbial contamination, and what were the most common causes of microbial contamination that you’ve seen?
Microbial contamination, including mold and pathogens, has always been a persistent issue in cannabis cultivation. The conditions that are ideal for growing cannabis – are also the perfect conditions for growing mold. Common causes of mold contamination are environmental factors, including high humidity and poor air circulation, as well as poor post-harvest processes for drying and storage. In states, such as Florida, outdoor cannabis cultivation is challenging due to the humid climate. As a result, all cannabis in Florida is grown indoors to minimize the risk of mold generation.
With the legalization of cannabis—first for medical use and now for adult recreational use—microbial contamination cannot be ignored, particularly in the context of U.S. state microbial testing requirements. Testing for Aspergillus, a common mold found in cannabis, has become a standard requirement, along with screenings for harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Additional microbial testing requirements vary by state and may include, Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC), Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC), Bile Tolerant Gram Negative (BTGN), and Total Coliforms.
If left unchecked, how badly would microbial contamination affect the flower's quality and the consumer's health?
A mold outbreak in a cannabis operation can be devastating if gone unnoticed or left untreated. Not only is the entire crop at risk, but if moldy weed makes it out of the grow and onto the dispensary shelf, the risk of a product recall will likely devastate the brand and cultivator’s reputation.
Each State has its own regulatory compliance standard, requiring cultivators to submit batch samples to independent testing labs, which are then managed by the State through a seed to sale tracking system, such as METRC. Cannabis that fails compliance testing often requires remediation or must be processed into an extract—both costly options that erode profit margins. Specifically, remediated flower is flagged in METRC and labeled with an “R” in the supply chain, which diminishes wholesale market appeal and can lead to price erosion.
This reactive approach to compliance not only undermines profitability but also diverges from FDA and USDA best practices in other agricultural industries, which emphasize proactive safety measures – known as a kill step – to protect consumer health.
Selling moldy weed puts consumers’ health at risk as it can cause symptoms 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. In extreme cases, cannabis patients who were immunocompromised and inhaled moldy weed have been hospitalized and/or have died.
When Ziel was founded, how would you describe the overall state of cannabis microbial testing technology and devices?
When Ziel was founded, existing cannabis decontamination technologies relied heavily on ionizing radiation—gamma, e-beam and X-ray. This was the go-to solution in Canada when cannabis was Federally approved and experienced a burst of cannabis operators. While effective in reducing microbial contamination, ionizing radiation also alters the molecular structure of cannabis, penetrating the bud from the outside with short, high-energy wavelengths, and can lead to the generation of free radicals, which have been associated with cancer.
Non-ionizing radiation such as Radio Frequency, on the other hand, does not alter the plant’s molecular or chemical structure and is generally considered a safer decontamination process for cannabis flower by regulators and consumers alike. 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. This rapid oscillation creates just enough thermal heat to kill mold and pathogens with negligible impact on terpenes, trichomes, or appearance.
Since its founding, how has Ziel advanced that technology?
Ziel has been operating in the cannabis decontamination category for 8 years. When we started, there was no commercially proven solution in the United States. We had a steep learning curve in those early years. We had a twofold challenge – solving the microbial reduction, while simultaneously preserving the integrity and product quality of a very complex plant that is only just beginning to be understood.
We knew Radio Frequency was effective in the pasteurization of food products. Our first generation APEX units are still in operation today. The Ziel RFX, released in 2024, incorporates all the learning lessons (and failures) over the years. It is also well suited to the emerging medical market in Europe which requires GMP validation. These facilities are more compact, and our RFX is 50% smaller than its older brother APEX.
In addition to launching the RFX, Ziel has a portfolio of Intellectual Property, which confirms our unique advancements in the use of radio frequency in the treatment of cannabis for microbial reduction. Both the USPTO and Canadian Authorities have issued Process Patents to Ziel, as well as a host of Design Patents in North America.
I noticed on the website that four countries use Ziel’s Radio Frequency mold remediation technology. What countries are those, and what would you say are the most noticeable differences between those countries’ respective cannabis markets?
Ziel has customers throughout the United States, Canada, Portugal, and North Macedonia, with plans to expand into Germany, Greece and Switzerland in Q1 2025. There are significant differences between the European and North American markets, as well as within each continent.
- In North America, the US market is a patchwork quilt, with each state operating in silo due to the lack of a Federally approved legal framework. Canada is Federally approved, with small nuances between Provinces, but generally harmonious.
- In the EU, all cannabis products must be grown in GACP facilities and processed in EU GMP-certified facilities. The US has no such requirements for growers or processors.
- Within the EU, Germany has a distinct bias against the use of ionizing radiation which requires the registration of each strain – which can take between 6 and 12 months and €4,000 per strain inhibiting new strains from reaching the market in a timely fashion.
- In Germany, the medical market relies heavily on imports due to limited domestic cultivation. While Social Clubs for recreational use have been approved, a commercial adult-use market effectively does not exist.
- The UK is advancing right behind Germany in terms of market growth but now lies outside of EU laws.
- Switzerland due to its central location and streamlined regulations provides an advantage for exports to Germany. Switzerland’s direct-to-dispensary sales create barriers to entry for larger exporting nations. Like the UK, it too lies outside the jurisdiction of EU laws.
- In Greece regulations prohibit imports, empowering local cultivators to control pricing and distribution.
Is the issue of microbial contamination more prominent in one country over another, or would you say the issue is evenly widespread? How does each country individually ensure that microbial contamination is being prevented as effectively as possible?
Addressing microbial contamination in cannabis is a universal challenge that knows no borders. No country or individual operator is immune. Mold and pathogens can spread rapidly through air, water, and human handling, necessitating a reliable microbial control step. The EU’s decision to pursue a strict medical market, with its requirement for GACP growing combined with EU GMP processing is more stringent than the US model, and more robust for consumer safety.
Of the countries that Ziel does business in, which of them have legalized cannabis recreationally, and how would you describe the state of those markets overall? Does one country have economic advantages over another or something of the sort?
Canada has a pure recreational or ‘adult use’ market. The USA has pockets of recreational cannabis, depending on the specific State’s approach – recreational, medical, both, or none of the above. Germany has “legalized” recreational cannabis, but it has not established a commercial adult-use market like in Canada. Instead, Germany has approved non-profit cultivation social clubs, which allow members to access cannabis for personal use as well as the ability to grow a limited quantity of plants at home.
Germany is an interesting study. They lurched out ahead of the rest of Europe with the April 1, 2024 Cannabis Reform Law. While the absence of a full-blown adult-use market may limit overall market growth, demand in Germany is accelerating, although from a very low base. In 2023, Germany imported 35 tons. To put that in perspective, the state of Michigan sold 50 tons in the month of October 2024 alone, while Germany has a population 8X that of Michigan. So the growth potential is enormous, but German growth will be more measured without a real recreational market (like Michigan’s). Nonetheless, since the April 1, 2024 Reform Law, the market has probably been running close to a 100-ton annual rate. That’s a pretty good clip, outpacing the initial forecasts.
For the next 2-3 years, Germany will remain an import driven market while domestic producers build out capacity (or don’t), with Canada and Portugal being the biggest beneficiaries of German and UK demand, followed closely by Macedonia and Colombia.
In addition, Radio Frequency technology has become one of the more preferred methods of microbial control in Germany because it eliminates the need for cultivators to obtain an AMRadV license—which is a requirement for any strain treated with an ionizing radiation technology – such as X-Ray or Gamma Radiation. This licensing process can take up to 12 months and costs approximately €4,000 per strain, making Radio Frequency a more efficient and cost-effective solution for cultivators seeking to enter the German market – which is 95% supplied from abroad.
In America, if cannabis were to be rescheduled from a Schedule I to a Schedule III or another far-reaching federal reform were to be implemented, how would that change both the operations of Ziel as well as microbial testing requirements and procedures?
I think one of the underappreciated aspects of rescheduling is the future role of the FDA, which until now has effectively been off the playing field in the development of a safe and regulated market in the USA. They will soon be calling the shots and we will see more regulatory uniformity. That’s good for business because it brings a level of predictability and regulatory standardization. And it’s also good for consumer safety.
Another unintended benefit overlooked with rescheduling may be organic certification. Currently, cannabis products lack the ability to be USDA Organic certified due to the plant’s federal status as a controlled substance. With the potential for cannabis to be reclassified as a Schedule III substance, FDA oversight could pave the way for the application of USDA and National Organic Program (NOP) standards to the cannabis industry the same way they do to 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.
And here’s where we leverage our roots as a food safety company. Ziel’s Radio Frequency technology is already compliant with organic standards and widely recognized as safe for consumer use by both the FDA and USDA for food products. In contrast, products treated with ionizing radiation would remain ineligible for organic certification under current FDA guidelines.
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."
Implications of Rescheduling - Podcast
This quarter two seismic shifts occurred in the United States and Germany with a common denominator: the DEA advanced the rescheduling of cannabis from a narcotic to a Class III drug in the USA, and Germany completed the rescheduling with passage of the Cannabis Reform Law April 1. However, the implications are different for the two largest cannabis markets.
Join us for a fireside chat with Arthur de Cordova, a former Country Manager for AstraZeneca in Europe, and CEO of Ziel.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, here!
Business of Cannabis - Interview
Strap in for Episode 1 of our brand new series, Business of Cannabis: Podcast at Cannabis Europa 2024. Kicking things off, CEO of Ziel, Arthur de Cordova joins our host Shahbaaz Kara at the Barbican Centre during our recent Cannabis Europa event - Europe's gateway to global cannabis and thought leadership.
Watch the full episode on Youtube, here!
MJ Biz - July + August Digital Issue
Flip through the digital issue, linked here, ZIEL on pages 28-29.
MITA - Cannabis + Microbial Decontamination
In this video, we're diving into a significant topic that highlights a crucial aspect of the agricultural industry: food safety and regulatory compliance. Specifically, we're focusing on the challenges faced by California's almond producers during the infamous salmonella outbreak. The video discusses the importance of proper microbial decontamination in the cannabis industry, highlighting the challenges faced by cultivators in maintaining product quality and safety. It explores how the founders of Zeal, a company that provides a non-chemical, organic solution to address microbial issues, entered the cannabis industry after their experience in the food industry dealing with similar concerns around pathogens. The video emphasizes the necessity of having a "kill step" in the cultivation process to ensure products pass stringent microbial testing requirements and avoid costly product recalls.
Watch the full episode on Youtube, here!
Ziel Nominated for Cannabis Startup of the Year by Business of Cannabis
View the short list of nominations here.
Ziel Partners with Portocanna to Receive the First EU GMP Certification for the Use of Frequency Technology for Microbial Control in Cannabis
May 16, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ziel, the industry leader providing next-generation customized, microbial control solutions for the agriculture and cannabis industries, today announced that its partner Portocanna, a medical cannabis processor in Portugal received GMP validation for the decontamination of cannabis flower using Ziel’s radio Frequency System (RF) technology. With the GMP certification in an EU member state, Portocanna is well positioned to supply medical cannabis from their EU-GMP pharmaceutical facility to the expanding markets in Germany and the UK.
“We are delighted that our radio frequency technology has received the first EU GMP approval for microbial control through our partnership with Portocanna,” says Arthur de Cordova, CEO and Co-Founder of Ziel. “We are well positioned in the EU to solve a problem every cultivator needs to address if they want to secure a presence in the rapidly growing European cannabis market.”
GMP defines the minimum standard that medical manufacturers must meet in their product processing operations under the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which coordinates and standardizes GMP activities at the European Union (EU) level. All entities that import or export cannabis to and within the EU are required to be GMP certified, representing a substantial investment and commitment to comply with these regulations. With this first GMP certification, Ziel’s technology now provides cultivators and post-harvest processors seeking to produce within the EU, or export to the EU, a clear, streamlined pathway for integrating a microbial control step into their operations.
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. In the European market, radio frequency does not require additional labeling and licensing for use in cannabis decontamination. For example, Germany requires registration of all strains treated with ionizing radiation (X-ray, gamma, and e-beam) prior to distribution within the country; a process that takes 6 to 9 months and an administrative fee of €2,500 per strain.
“Portocanna is extremely well positioned to increase medical cannabis exports from its EU GMP-certified facility,” said Amit Adri, CEO and founder of Portocanna S.A. “The use of radio frequency in our GMP processes allows us to efficiently meet increased demand following passage of Germany’s landmark cannabis reform law passed April 1, and efficiently meet strict German regulatory requirements for cannabis safety.”
“Domestically, Portocanna’s has received approval for one of its cannabis formulations on the Portuguese market,” continued Edri. “Our products are treated with radio frequency to meet Infarmed and EU requirements for patient safety.”
To learn more about Ziel or the RFX, please visit www.ziel.com.
About Ziel
Ziel is the industry leader providing next-generation customized, microbial control solutions for the agriculture and cannabis industries. The markets in which the company currently operates include tree nuts, seeds, and select fruit, as well as cannabis and hemp. Ziel’s products harness radio frequency and microwave technologies to build customized solutions that help customers consistently meet regulatory requirements, preserve product integrity, improve operational processes, and maximize profits. Ziel has a worldwide clientele who commercially process food and cannabis products with installations in the United States, Canada, Australia, Chile, Mexico, and across the EU. Ziel’s corporate headquarters are located in San Francisco. To learn more about Ziel’s solutions visit www.ziel.com.
About Portocanna
Portocanna aims to become the leading medical cannabis processor in Europe. With a 3,000 sqm EU GMP-certified facility, an in-house R&D lab, and the largest cannabis logistics center in the EU, the company is supported by a highly skilled and experienced team. After successfully launching medical cannabis products in Germany and the UK, and with a product soon to be introduced in the Portuguese market, Portocanna is focused on expanding its portfolio in these key markets. Additionally, the company is actively pursuing growth opportunities in other European regions. With 25 proprietary cannabis cultivars developed and registered, along with significant R&D investments, Portocanna is pioneering innovative delivery methods.
Media Contact:
Raquel Heras
Oak PR
Raquel@oakpr.com