Microbials in Marijuana – What you can do
With each passing day, the cannabis industry is learning more and more about how to deal with microbials in marijuana. States like Colorado are constantly looking to modify and improve the laws surrounding the testing of microbials in marijuana, and every year new states opt to legalize recreational cannabis. The industry is still young, and Willow is here to help growers understand and control microbial levels through all stages of a plant’s life. Let’s take a look at a few ways to manage your microbials in marijuana, so you’ll never have to fear a failed Certificate of Analysis.
Nutrients and Water Systems
One of the most overlooked aspects of dealing with microbials in marijuana is what the plants are being fed and watered. Nutrients and quality of water can play huge roles in what types of microbials will grow inside your plant for its life cycle. Certain nutrients or soils can have high levels of yeast in them, which at first thought may not sound like that bad of an issue. However, if you live in a state like Colorado or Massachusetts who tests for Total Yeast and Mold, then you can guarantee that you will see increased yeast levels on your test results, possibly at failing levels.
Water quality is also critical when thinking about microbials in marijuana. Heavy metals, bacteria, and other pathogens can exist in the water being supplied to your plants, and you may not even know it. There are many labs around the country that supply water quality tests for an affordable price, and it can be a very important piece of information when narrowing down the causes of microbials in marijuana.
Ozonated water systems are used to decontaminate water sources all over the world, and can break down heavy metals and eliminate pathogens. Because ozone breaks down into oxygen, it can also provide your root zones with higher oxygen levels, promoting increased growth. Call Willow today, and we can work with you to figure out a system that uniquely fits your growing operation and needs.
Post-Harvest Handling
We are all well aware of what can happen in a drying room that doesn’t have proper air circulation and humidity/temp control, but there are other factors of post-harvest product handling that can lead to increased growth of microbials in marijuana.
Trimming offers the biggest source of human contamination in the entire growing process. Increased yeast levels can be caused by trimmers who aren’t wearing the necessary protective gear. Willow recommends having trimmers wear coveralls, facemasks, gloves, and hairnets to avoid any possible contamination. Making sure your trimming tools are decontaminated between strains can reduce cross contamination as well. Not all strains are equal when it comes to microbials in marijuana, and some will have higher levels than others, even if they were grown in the same room.
Air purification inside of dry rooms, and as many rooms as possible within your grow, can provide excellent defense against outside contamination. Aspergillus spores can become airborne and enter your grow through an HVAC system, or simply by opening the door to the outside. We recommend ionizers over HEPA filters and can help steer you in the right direction on what models will be most effective for your purposes.
Willow Industries doesn’t just sell decontamination equipment for microbials in marijuana; we are here to help growers create the cleanest and best product possible. Don’t hesitate to call us and see how we can help you control your process, and make failed microbial tests a thing of the past.