Why “Clean” Cannabis May Not Be Clean
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By
February 4, 2026
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3 min
A study from McGill University reveals that gamma irradiation, commonly used to sterilize cannabis, does not completely eliminate toxic fungi or their residues. While the process significantly reduces microbial load, viable spores from genera like Aspergillus and Penicillium remain after treatment. The research indicates that current testing methods may underestimate contamination risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. The authors advocate for enhanced safety standards during cultivation and processing of cannabis to mitigate these risks.
1. Gamma irradiation reduces but does not completely eliminate microbial contamination in cannabis. 2. Viable spores of mycotoxigenic fungi persist post-treatment. 3. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for testing contamination. 4. Immunocompromised patients are at elevated risk from residual toxins. 5. Enhanced safety standards during cannabis cultivation could be more effective than post-harvest sterilization.
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