One often misunderstood aspect of legal cannabis production is the rigorous quality assurance measures taken post-harvest to ensure products pass various tests. Today, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of remediated versus non-remediated, non-irradiated cannabis flowers.
At Wellford Medical all our Wellford products are non-irradiated and non-remediated. This is one of the main pillars of our brand and is achievable due to the nature of our cultivation technique which uses aquaponic living water, organic living soil and is Certified Clean Green® Organic. The process naturally produces medical cannabis products that are very low in microbial, yeast and mould counts. This allows us to provide the patient non-sterilised products that maintain the full complement of compounds.
Many patients believe non-irradiated flowers offer superior flavour, aroma, terpene content and THC/CBD effects. However, did you know that non-irradiated cannabis flowers can still undergo remediation?
What does remediation mean?
Essentially, remediation provides a remedy for redressing or correcting any issues with the cannabis product. Remediation is the process of taking sterilisation measures to eliminate microbial contaminants such as bacteria, fungi, mould and mildew so that the product can pass regulatory testing standards.
What does irradiation mean?
Irradiation is a form of remediation, i.e. sterilisation, and refers to gamma-radiation, electron beam (e-beam) or X-Ray only.
Why would anyone remediate and not just irradiate?
This links back to the preference of many patients for non-irradiated product. Companies will remediate the product using the methods discussed below and STILL be able to claim the product is non-irradiated because it hasn’t specifically undergone irradiation. A remediated, non-irradiated flower is designed to meet the British Pharmacopoeia guidelines and allows it to be imported into the UK, but will its flavour, aroma and terpene content rival a truly non-irradiated, non-remediated product?
Methods of remediation
There can be several advanced techniques used in the remediation process of non-irradiated flowers:
Microbial Remediation
- Cold Plasma: this innovative method uses ionised gas at low temperatures to destroy harmful microbes, ensuring the cannabis remains safe without significant alterations to its natural properties.
- Pasteurisation: this technique effectively eliminates microbial contaminants by applying controlled heat, much like the pasteurisation process used in the food industry.
Mould and Mildew Removal
- Ozone Treatment: this approach uses ozone gas to neutralise mould and mildew spores. The gas penetrates deep into the cannabis flowers, eradicating contaminants while preserving the product’s integrity.
- UV-C Light: utilising ultraviolet light, this method kills mould spores on the surface of cannabis flowers. It’s a non-invasive way to maintain product safety and quality.
Radio Frequency Microbial Control Treatment
- This consumer-safe thermal process uses radio frequency energy to effectively control microbial growth. Targeting specific frequencies ensures that cannabis products are free from harmful microbes, maintaining their safety and quality.
Each of these techniques is designed to eliminate contaminants without compromising the potency, flavour, or overall efficacy of the cannabis, ensuring a high-quality product for consumers.
Real-life examples
Let’s delve into some real-life applications of remediation technologies in the cannabis industry:
Radio Frequency Microbial Control Treatment: known for its consumer-safe thermal process, this method has been instrumental in ensuring microbial safety in cannabis products.
CryoPasteurization™ Technology: a pharmaceutical-grade decontamination protocol that naturally purifies and pasteurises cannabis, reducing microbial contaminants to meet stringent safety thresholds.
SteriGreen™ Technology: developed specifically for cannabis inflorescence, this platform employs low-temperature Hydrogen Peroxide Vaporization (HPV) to reduce bacterial and fungal loads, maintaining the flower’s natural properties.
Optimal cultivation practices
Did you know cannabis flowers grown under optimal conditions may not require remediation to produce high-quality non–remediated and non-irradiated flowers? For instance, methods like aquaponic fertilisation and growing plants in living soil can significantly reduce microbial and fungal counts. Although these techniques are more expensive, they produce high-quality, non-irradiated cannabis without the need for additional remediation. This careful approach ensures the plant’s purity and integrity from the start.
Non-remediated and non-irradiated cannabis flowers
While remediation ensures compliance with regulatory standards, many people believe that non-remediated, non-irradiated cannabis flowers offer unique benefits. You will find craft products on the market that remain untouched by remediation and irradiation, preserving their natural quality and appeal.
Informed choices
Wellford recognises the importance of informed choices when it comes to medicinal cannabis. Whether you and your prescriber decide that irradiated, non-irradiated or is clinically more suitable, understanding the methods and implications behind each option empowers you to make the best decisions for your health and well-being.
Trust Wellford Medical to provide you with the highest standards of care and quality in medicinal cannabis products. Join us on this journey of discovery and healing—it’s what we’re here for.
For more insights and to explore our range of medicinal cannabis products, visit our website or contact us to learn more.
