Microbial contamination instantly can turn a promising harvest into a grower’s worst compliance nightmare. From processing tools and equipment to unsanitary human hands and airborne fungi, potential contamination culprits are omnipresent in grow rooms and processing facilities. Luckily, the cannabis industry can piggyback off some impressive medical and food safety technology developed to decontaminate organic and inorganic materials.
With a variety of remediation options on the market, cannabis cultivators can benefit from ozone, radio frequency, and X-ray technology to decontaminate flower without altering THC or terpene profiles. By investing in the right cannabis decontamination equipment, growers can sleep better without worrying about a failed microbial test destroying months of work and millions in revenue.
What is radio frequency mold remediation?
Radio frequency mold remediation uses electromagnetic energy to destroy mold infestations. The technology utilizes radio waves at specific frequencies to penetrate mold and generate internal heat, drying out and killing mold spores. Radio frequency mold remediation was developed as a chemical-free alternative to traditional remediation processes.
What is X-ray mold remediation?
X-ray mold remediation also uses electromagnetic energy to penetrate mold and damage the contaminant at a cellular level. The technology employs X-rays to ionize mold cells and effectively kill them. While radio frequency remediation relies on thermal energy to inactivate microbes, X-ray ionizing radiation disrupts microbial DNA at the molecular level, which is why some consider it a more aggressive approach for cannabis mold remediation.
The following equipment is used and recommended by cannabis cultivators.
Ziel RFX Remediation Machine
- Radio frequency technology
- Manufactured in Italy
- $340,000
According to the manufacturer, the Ziel RFX can decontaminate 160 pounds of cannabis in eight hours with an electricity cost of about $10. The RFX uses a non-ionizing radio frequency technology to create an oscillating electromagnetic field around the flower that’s able to penetrate the core of the bud. The flower’s moisture molecules sync with the vibration and spin 27 million times per second, generating enough friction to kill microbial pathogens without damaging or decarboxylating THC.
The RFX can treat trimmed and milled cannabis and hemp flower. Company support includes installation, commissioning, and training in four days. Ziel also monitors each batch run for the first year to help customers identify patterns, troubleshoot issues with remote diagnosis, and optimize cannabis treatment recipes with a data-driven approach.
XRpure XR16
- X-ray technology
- Manufactured in Las Vegas
- $360,000
The XR16 is the latest iteration in XRpure’s line of decontamination and bioburden reduction systems, replacing the X12. The X16 can process up to 20 pounds of dried cannabis flower in 90 minutes. It also cleans cannabis products in their final packaging for added convenience. According to the manufacturer, it’s three times as fast as other X-ray methods on the market.
The machine uses cold-process X-ray photons to target the microbes’ DNA strands, breaking chemical bonds and destroying mold without harming plant cells. The equipment works in tandem with the optional XRpure Chiller or a separate 20-gallons-per-minute chilled water system to prevent premature decarboxylation. XPure includes a one-year warranty, while flexible leasing options make the platform more accessible for cultivators in need of a commercial cannabis decontamination system.
WillowPure 20
- Ozone technology
- Manufactured in Colorado
- Contact for pricing
While it’s great to catch a microbial load of powdery mildew before cones get stuffed, the post-harvest process doesn’t always go according to plan. The WillowPure 20 is designed for decontaminating pre-rolls after they’ve been processed. The system can eliminate yeast, mold, Aspergillus, Salmonella, E. coli (Escherichia coli), and other bacteria. The two-rack system can hold approximately 8,500 pre-rolls evenly distributed to ensure a consistent cleaning process.
The WillowPure 20 employs ozone technology to attack bacteria and mold. In this remediation method, oxygen’s two atoms are released and recombined to form ozone with three oxygen atoms. As ozone encounters bacteria and mold, its newly bonded unstable third atom releases to break down their cell walls.
Rad Source 420 Q+
- X-ray technology
- Manufactured in Buford, Georgia
- Contact for pricing
The RS 420 Q + uses X-ray irradiation for effective cannabis plant decontamination. The extra-large unit can process up to 25 pounds of plant material in five hours. The company’s patented QUASTAR X-ray completely penetrates contaminated flower and destroys the DNA structure of hazardous microorganisms including aspergillus, mold, yeast, and bacteria. The patented technology’s photonic decontamination light is the same technology approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat dangerous microbes in food without the use of chemicals.
The system works with a proprietary carousel that moves loaded cannabis canisters around the light source for consistent results and a thorough decontamination process. Rad Source provides installation, quality inspection, on-site training, and a warranty on all parts, labor, and travel for one year or 2,400 hours of operation.
VJ Scientific CX-1000
- X-ray technology
- Manufactured in the U.S. and China
- Contact for pricing
The CX-1000 is a dual-source irradiation system for killing microorganisms — including mold and yeast, Aspergillus, E. coli, Salmonella, and penicillium — on cannabis. The machine can process up to 20 pounds of cannabis in an eight-hour cycle with easy bin loading and unloading through the large front door. The CX-1000 also processes flower in bins, bags, and final packaging for faster remediation after a failed microbial test.
VJ Scientific’s software incorporates remote process tracking through an app for transparency and 24/7 monitoring. The company offers a rent-to-own program with a 12-month lease agreement and optional credit toward the full purchase price of the unit at any point in the one-year term.
Precision X-Ray SteriRad
- X-ray technology
- Manufactured in Connecticut
- Contact for pricing
The SteriRad is an antimicrobial treatment system designed for cannabis decontamination. The system utilizes a rolling drum to gently turn the plant material throughout the X-ray treatment for uniform remediation of surface and deep-seated endophytic microbes.
SteriRad’s drum system works with cannabis flower, milled buds, and packaged products. A touchscreen system ensures easy operation with predefined protocols to simplify operations as well as provide real-time notifications with alerts and updates.
