Microbials

In the context of cannabis, microbials refer to minute mold, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms that can potentially contaminate cannabis plants and final products if storage, growing and processing conditions enable pathogenic growth and spread. While microbial life exists ubiquitously in nature and soil with both beneficial and neutral influences, excessive proliferation of certain microbial strains and colonies pose substantial health hazards if inhaled or ingested. During cultivation, grower prevention is key to inhibiting contamination through sterile growing conditions, proper drying, strategic trimming and strict environmental controls. In legal markets, testing for microbials is mandatory to ensure product safety and accurately label contents. The presence of specific pesticide-resistant microbes may also necessitate remediation procedures prior to sale or require destruction of inventory in severe cases. However, remediation is controversial and not always effective. The most prudent approach emphasizes conscientious growing, handling and storage procedures throughout the supply chain to strictly limit opportunities for contamination to take hold in the first place. Where testing uncovers microbials above acceptable threshold levels, it signals substandard practices requiring correction at earlier points in production. Establishing universal quality control standards, oversight and recalls when issues emerge keeps consumers safe in legal markets.