Aspergillus is a type of mold available in many species. It grows in humid environments with high moisture content. While we breathe in aspergillus spores daily without any health implications, immunocompromised individuals or those with lung diseases may develop further health complications.
Since aspergillus infections are rare, Aspergillus cannabis testing is not mandatory in most US states. However, testing cannabis products for aspergillus is essential to ensure the safety of consumers.
This post talks about aspergillus and how it affects the cannabis industry. We also elaborate on how cannabis testing labs screen for aspergillus and current testing requirements.
Aspergillus vs. Other Molds Found in Cannabis
Cannabis thrives in warm and humid environments, which are also excellent conditions for fungal and mold growth, including aspergillus. Therefore, if we grow cannabis in such environments, aspergillus testing should be mandatory.
Typically, there are four types or species of aspergillus.
- A. Flavus
- A. Fumigatus
- A. Niger
- A. Terreus
These species are health threats, particularly to cannabis consumers with underlying health conditions.
Exposure to aspergillus causes aspergillosis, an infection that affects the respiratory system. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, depending on the type of aspergillosis.
If the infection spreads to blood vessels and beyond, one may suffer from a more serious form of aspergillosis known as invasive aspergillosis.
The first case of invasive aspergillosis was reported in 1953.
Furthermore, aspergillosis may cause various health effects, including;
- Lung infections
- Allergic reactions
- Other organ infections
When to Screen for Aspergillus
Cannabis product producers and cultivators should test for moisture content and water activity to evaluate the risk of Microbial growth. Ideally, cannabis plants are an easy target for microbial growths like aspergillus.
Contamination may occur at nearly any point, from when the plant is still growing to harvest, storing, and curing. This makes aspergillus cannabis testing essential in the cannabis industry.
We should conduct aspergillus cannabis testing at multiple stages in the supply chain. We shouldn’t rely on a single sample submitted to a laboratory as infection can occur at any stage in the supply chain.
Current Testing Protocols for Aspergillus
Mold growth may render a cannabis harvest unusable. Also, cultivators may have to recall products that have already entered the market, which is expensive and time-consuming.
Due to the lack of federal regulation on marijuana, there are no standard aspergillus marijuana testing requirements in the US. However, in Colorado, mandatory testing for Aspergillus will begin on July 1, 2022.
Some states require specific aspergillus tests, while others only require general yeast and mold tests. However, a yeast and mold test might not detect mycotoxins produced by aspergillus, which makes aspergillus testing essential.
Aspergillus and Other Mold Testing For Cannabis Operators
Cannabis plants and products are highly susceptible to mold contamination. Therefore, cannabis operators should conduct microbial testing to screen for aspergillus and other mold contamination.
Testing labs examine various factors to determine the risk of microbial growth in cannabis, including:
Moisture Content
Cannabis and hemp products require a steady supply of water and moisture. However, overwatering, ineffective curing and extreme environmental humidity may cause over moisturization. This over moisturization encourages the growth of microbes like aspergillus. Moisture content testing helps to regulate the moisture content in cannabis.
Water Activity Testing
Water activity testing ensures that the cannabis product doesn’t become a breeding ground for microbes. Additionally, it helps keep cannabis products safe, especially during storage.
Microbial Testing
Microbial testing validates the safety and quality of cannabis products. Current Med regulations require microbial testing for all medical and retail flowers to protect Colorado cannabis consumers.
Nordic Analytical laboratories conduct microbial testing to screen for Salmonella spp, STEC (Shiga-toxin-producing E.coli), and total yeast and mold.
FAQs
What Is Aspergillus?
Aspergillus is a genus of fungus that is common in the environment, but it mostly likes warm, moist environments. Unfortunately, this is the same environment that cannabis likes as well. Aspergillus has about 180 distinct species and may be found in a variety of settings, including soil, rotting plants, and indoor surroundings. While many Aspergillus species are safe and serve crucial functions in organic matter breakdown, certain species can cause health concerns in humans, such as:
• A. Flavus
• A. Fumigatus
• A. Niger
• A. Terreus
Aspergillus has the ability to generate spores that are easily airborne and inhaled. Exposure to Aspergillus spores may not create substantial health problems in healthy people with working immune systems. However, Aspergillus infections can arise in persons with weaker immune systems, lung illnesses, or other underlying health disorders, leading to a variety of respiratory difficulties.
Why is Aspergillus Testing Important?
Testing for Aspergillus in cannabis is critical for consumer protection. The risk for Aspergillosis, a respiratory ailment caused by inhaling heat-resistant spores of certain Aspergillus species, is a concern for cannabis users. Aspergillosis symptoms can range from simple allergies to severe asthma and life-threatening infection, especially in immunocompromised people or those with chronic lung problems.
Testing is important because it helps growers identify issues before it affects their entire crop. Aspergillus can render an entire crop useless and cost growers thousands of dollars. For larger facilities, those costs can climb to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additionally, it can lead to recalls, which also costs money and can diminish the grower’s reputation.
Some Aspergillus species can also create mycotoxins. Human exposure to these dangerous mold byproducts can cause illness and even death. While there have been no reported fatal cannabis overdoses in the 39 states where it has been legalized, there have been more than two dozen confirmed cases of cannabis users contracting aspergillosis from cannabis products infected with pathogenic Aspergillus spores. Some of these incidents have even resulted in death.
What Does Aspergillus Do to Cannabis?
It might be in the soil you use to cultivate cannabis, or it could be in any organic debris that is decomposing. It is also possible to find it inside, particularly in warm, humid environments or in the heating or cooling system. In the life cycle of the cannabis plant, infection by Aspergillus can happen at any stage in the production process. It can live on surfaces, tools used for processing, or even in the ductwork of your facility. However, it is most prevalent after harvesting. If there is mold observed on the plant, there is a good chance that mold could contain Aspergillus as well. However, it’s not always visible to the naked eye, which makes testing for Aspergillus in cannabis crucial to prevent illness or possibly death.
What To Look For In A Cannabis Aspergillus Testing Lab?
Testing for microorganisms is used to ensure that cannabis products are safe and of high quality. In order to safeguard the health of those who use medical and recreational cannabis in Colorado, the existing MED rules mandate that all flowers be subjected to microbiological testing. While some states only require standard yeast and mold testing, others require particular Aspergillus tests. Aspergillus testing is necessary since a yeast and mold test can miss the mycotoxins that Aspergillus produces.
When choosing a testing lab, it’s important to know what to look for, such as:
• State-certified cannabis lab
• The kind of equipment used
• The turnaround time
• How the results will be communicated
• Additional testing that is available such as testing for terpenes, potency, pesticides, etc.
At Nordic Analytical Laboratories in Colorado, we offer Aspergillus testing as well as a full suite of testing for all your cannabis testing needs.
Cannabis Lab Consulting in Colorado
While most Aspergillus species are harmless, some like A. Fumigatus and A. Flavus are harmful to immunocompromised people. Therefore, we must test for aspergillus in cannabis to protect cannabis consumers. Contact us for more information about cannabis testing services in Colorado or visit our homepage to explore more about Nordic Analytical Laboratories.
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