Avoiding Crop Contamination
As cannabis evolves for mass consumption, one major factor for cultivators, consumers, and retailers is cannabis quality in terms of testing. We’re talking about more than just THC and terpenes – although those are incredibly important. Today we’re discussing the ever-important world of cannabis contaminants, and more specifically how to avoid them. A majority of contaminants in cannabis are not easy to identify visually and sometimes can be missed on a single COA testing report from cannabis labs. However, we are seeing more and more regulated markets cracking down on cannabis contaminants to ensure that the public can consume confidently and safely. In a world where we are regularly seeing recalls on products, or products being turned away upon delivery due to failed testing, it is of the utmost importance to keep your cannabis as clean as possible.
While the drying cycle is merely one step along the seed to sale route, it is an important one as moisture can be a major factor in bacteria and other microbial contaminants found in cannabis. Even nominal amounts of moisture have the potential to contaminate your crop during the drying cycle, and a major contributor to this is uneven airflow. Whether drying flower on hanging racks or tray racks, the industry standard (unsealed) dry room produces turbulent airflow. Turbulent airflow means there is uneven distribution of airflow which frequently results in moisture “dead pockets” where air is either not flowing at the same rate as other areas of the room or air is stagnant and not circulating at all. Utilizing laminar airflow components within a sealed chamber supports a drying environment where there is gentle, consistent airflow throughout the entire chamber, from top to bottom of your racking system.
Sealed, closed-loop drying systems deliver the most precise drying environments for cannabis flower. The dwell time at which the flower is dried is also massively improved when airflow over the flower is evenly distributed and dead pockets are eliminated. Closed loop (sealed) chambers and laminar airflow distribution components are the main drivers behind Cann System’s quick adoption in the international cannabis community. Cann’s line of CDS chamber systems also can include an optional in-line UV-C airflow sanitation components as well as a dueling UV-C light to self-sanitize cooling coils within the system for the cleanest dry cycle possible. Cann also utilizes perforated baffles and energy-efficient circulating fans within the airflow mechanisms for an incredibly even, equalized airflow within the closed-loop chamber system. While these features seem like they should be industry standard, these details are often overlooked in standard dry rooms and leave your flower potentially at risk from bacteria and other microbes taking hold during the drying cycle. Additionally, Cann utilizes easily cleaned, pharma-grade stainless steel within all chambers to bring the market best in class products.
We have obsessed over the best possible practices for your drying cycle to be as clean, consistent, and efficient as possible. We have over 40 years of experience in the business of drying/dehydration, taking lessons learned from servicing the commercial lumber and foods industries and paired that knowledge with a passion for continuous innovation in our mission to bring the cannabis industry the perfect dry cycle.
Contact our team by clicking here to learn more about how we can keep your crop healthy and your overall operation as efficient as possible. Worry less. Grow more!
