Aspergillosis Alert: What Every Cannabis Grower Needs to Know
Cannabis cultivation has become increasingly sophisticated as growers and researchers alike deepen their understanding of what it takes to produce high-quality safe products. One pressing issue in cultivation is Aspergillosis, a condition caused by pathogenic Aspergillus fungi that can have serious health implications for both consumers and growers. In Episode 2 of High Science, Kevin McKernan, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of Medicinal Genomics, dives into this crucial topic, exploring why Aspergillus contamination is more than just a fungal inconvenience.
Here’s a breakdown of what Aspergillosis is, how it happens, and how cannabis cultivators can take proactive steps to keep their grows safe and contaminant-free.
What Is Aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the Aspergillus fungus, specifically the pathogenic species A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, and A. terreus. These species are prioritized in cannabis testing due to the heightened risks they pose, particularly for immunocompromised individuals, out of more than 250 environmental Aspergillus species.
While Aspergillus spores are common in the air we breathe and generally pose little harm to healthy individuals, they can cause serious respiratory issues in those with weakened immune systems or lung conditions. In fact, these four Aspergillus pathogens are one of the few pathogens directly linked to fatalities among cannabis consumers. Lab testing data collected from 14 states has shown that, on average, 4% of cannabis samples fail for these four species, highlighting the ongoing risk. The risk is particularly elevated when cannabis is smoked or vaporized, as spores are directly inhaled into the lungs, bypassing the body’s natural filtration systems. This direct exposure can be especially harmful, underscoring the urgent need for stringent fungal contamination controls throughout every stage of cannabis cultivation to protect consumer health.
How Aspergillus Contaminates Cannabis Plants
Aspergillus fungi thrive in moist, nutrient-rich environments, which unfortunately, makes cannabis plants an ideal host if conditions are suboptimal. Contamination can occur in multiple ways, including:
- Environmental Exposure: Aspergillus spores are airborne and can infiltrate grow rooms if there are any issues with air filtration systems.
- Poorly Maintained Equipment: Tools and surfaces that aren’t regularly sanitized can become vectors for contamination.
- Improper Drying and Curing: If harvested cannabis is stored with excess moisture, it creates a perfect breeding ground for fungal growth.
As McKernan notes in High Science,
Preventing Aspergillus pathogen contamination isn’t just about protecting the plant—it’s essential for consumer safety and for positioning cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option. The cannabis industry faces a pivotal question: can we establish rigorous safety standards that rival the FDA’s billion-dollar drug approval process, which has its own history of product recalls and safety issues? Or will we slip toward an unregulated black market that invites FDA intervention and centralization?
No responsible cultivator wants their product to harm consumers, nor for this industry to become dominated by Big Ag with revolving doors to the FDA. By prioritizing safety and transparency, we not only protect public health but also preserve the unique, decentralized nature of the cannabis market.
Why Should Growers Be Concerned?
Apart from the obvious health risks, Aspergillus pathogen contamination can have serious repercussions for cultivators:
- Product Failures: In states that require Aspergillus testing, products that test positive can’t be sold, leading to significant financial loss.
- Brand Reputation: Repeated contamination issues can damage a brand’s reputation and erode customer trust.
- Legal Liability: In regulated markets, cultivators are held to strict safety standards. Failing to meet these can result in penalties, fines, or even loss of licensure.
Steps for Preventing Aspergillus Pathogens in Cannabis Cultivation
To minimize the risk of contamination, cannabis cultivators can follow these best practices:
- Optimize Air Filtration and Ventilation Systems: Ensure that air entering the grow facility is filtered to remove airborne spores. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended as they can capture smaller particles effectively.
- Maintain Rigorous Sanitation Protocols: Clean all surfaces, tools, and grow containers regularly. Use effective antifungal agents and ensure that employees understand the importance of hygiene to prevent cross-contamination. Also be sure to remove leaf litter from the grow room, which can serve as a breeding ground for yeast and mold.
- Control Humidity Levels: Fungi thrive in high-humidity environments. By keeping humidity levels below 60%, growers can create an environment that’s less hospitable to Aspergillus pathogen growth.
- Monitor Moisture Content During Curing and Storage: Cannabis should be carefully dried and cured to ensure that excess moisture is eliminated. Consider investing in moisture meters to accurately measure and maintain safe moisture levels.
- Test Regularly: Regularly test plants and products for contamination throughout the cultivation process. Early detection of Aspergillus pathogens can help isolate the issue before it spreads and contaminates more plants or finished products.
Learn More on High Science TV
Curious to see how a professional facility tackles these challenges? High Science Season 1, Episode 2, now streaming on YouTube, takes viewers into Clear Cannabis’ grow facility. From advanced air filtration systems to vigilant moisture monitoring, see firsthand how leading-edge science is applied to real-world cannabis cultivation.
Kevin McKernan has been at the forefront of cannabis genomics, providing science-based evidence that helps cultivators prevent and detect contamination. “By combining genomics and thorough sanitation, we’re creating a safer, more controlled environment for both the plant and the patient,” McKernan explains.
Stay informed, safeguard your grow, and ensure your consumers receive safe quality cannabis. To get the full insight from Kevin McKernan and see how Clear Cannabis manages its cultivation process, tune in to Episode 2 of High Science on YouTube.
Resources for Growers from Medicinal Genomics:
Aspergillus 5-Color Multiplex Assay
For more on topics like these, check this link out Making High Science TV With Ed Leclere And David McKillop..
