Pathogenic Aspergillus in Cannabis & Hemp - The Scoop with Alec Dixon of SC Labs

In the rapidly evolving cannabis and hemp industries, few safety concerns are as crucial as Aspergillus contamination in cannabis and hemp. This common fungus poses significant health risks, especially for immunocompromised consumers. Aspergillus has become a topic of industry-wide focus as new regulations and elevated safety standards emerge.

To shed light on this issue, Alec Dixon of SC Labs shares his expert insights on the risks posed by Pathogenic Aspergillus, the importance of robust testing, and the proactive steps cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers can take to ensure cannabis safety.

Welcome Alec, can you briefly introduce SC Labs and your role within the company?

Alec Dixon: I’m one of the Co-Founders of SC Labs, and my role is centered around client relations, technical services, and business development. SC Labs has been testing cannabis since 2010, and we’re committed to ensuring the safety and quality of this plant by providing comprehensive data on both its phytochemical content and any potential contaminants. I see our work in many ways as “Sentinals of Safety” to help our partners and customers learn about contaminants such as Pathogenic Aspergillus and create new progressive standards in testing such as Cat4 or Category 4 Testing. Overall our goal is to empower those we work with to make data-driven decisions to ensure safe and high-quality cannabis and hemp products for consumers.

Question:What exactly is Aspergillus, and why is it a concern for cannabis and hemp consumers?

AD: Aspergillus is a type of mold commonly found in soil and decomposing organic matter. While it’s all around us in the environment, it becomes dangerous when inhaled, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems. In cannabis, Pathogenic Aspergillus can grow if products aren’t handled or stored correctly, exposing consumers to potential respiratory infections. The stakes are high for everyone in the supply chain to conduct thorough Aspergillus testing to keep products safe, protect consumers, and maintain industry credibility.

Question:Let’s deep dive a bit more. Why is Aspergillus such a significant health and safety concern for cannabis and hemp consumers?

AD: Pathogenic Aspergillus presents serious health risks, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems. When inhaled, its spores can cause infections like aspergillosis, which may lead to severe respiratory issues or even systemic infections. Given that smoking and vaping are common methods of cannabis consumption, the risk of exposure to these harmful spores is a pressing concern. Aspergillus is found in the environment naturally, but when it contaminates cannabis products, especially those not properly stored or handled, it can amplify health risks significantly. Protecting consumer health requires thorough attention to Aspergillus screening, as it’s not just about quality control; it’s about reducing exposure to potentially dangerous pathogens in products meant for wellness.

Question:How are current testing standards evolving to address Aspergillus in cannabis products?

AD: Testing standards are certainly evolving to meet the unique challenges of microbial contaminants in cannabis. At SC Labs, we are closely monitoring changes in state regulations. In states like California and Colorado, there’s been a push for more comprehensive microbial testing that includes Aspergillus as a mandated component. This reflects a shift toward greater transparency and a commitment to protecting consumer health. In some cases, we even see a trend to testing “above and beyond” regulatory requirements to ensure no harmful contaminants are present. Cat4 or Category 4 Testing in California and other states is a great example. It’s all about establishing trust in the product and ensuring consumers and retailers can rely on safe, clean cannabis.

Question:What testing procedures does SC Labs implement to detect Aspergillus in cannabis and hemp products?

AD: At SC Labs, we employ advanced microbial testing techniques specifically designed to detect Aspergillus in cannabis and hemp products as well as agricultural and manufacturing infrastructure. Our screening processes catch even the smallest amounts of harmful molds like Aspergillus. Safety and accuracy are paramount, so we recommend regular testing throughout the cultivation, post-harvest, and pre-sale stages. This way, we are confident that products reaching consumers are contamination-free, which is vital as more states adopt standards to regulate molds and microbial contaminants rigorously.

Question:What should retailers be doing to protect their consumers from Aspergillus contamination?

AD: Retailers are crucial in protecting consumers because they decide what products end up on store shelves. Retailers should source products only from suppliers committed to rigorous microbial testing. Rather than assuming products are safe, it’s essential for retailers to request Aspergillus test results from their suppliers. Some retailers go a step further and perform their own quality control checks, especially on high-risk products. These additional safety measures protect both consumers and the retailer’s reputation by setting a high standard of transparency.

Question:With microbial contamination becoming more of a consumer concern, are we seeing more transparency from brands about their testing processes?

AD: Definitely. Consumers today are very informed and expect transparency about what goes into their products, including cannabis. Brands and dispensaries that openly share their testing results, especially for contaminants like Aspergillus, tend to have a competitive edge. That is something we support 100%. Consumers are encouraged to look for brands that provide easy access to their testing reports and Certificates of Analysis (COAs). At SC Labs, we work to make COAs accessible and understandable for our brand and retailer partners, which is something we believe consumers should value as they choose safe and trusted products.

Question:Are there any specific ways that testing labs, like SC Labs, are helping to drive these safety standards forward in the cannabis and hemp industries?

AD: Yes, as testing labs, we’re not only responding to regulatory requirements but also pushing for stricter, more comprehensive testing policies standards. By advancing testing methods and advocating for regulations that include robust Aspergillus testing, we’re working to raise the bar and set benchmarks for industry safety. SC Labs collaborates with policymakers and industry groups to ensure that the standards being implemented truly reflect the best interests of consumers. Our goal is to contribute to building an industry where safety and transparency go hand in hand, establishing cannabis as a reputable, trusted product.

Wrapping Up:

The issue of Aspergillus contamination in cannabis products is significant, and a thorough microbial testing protocol is crucial for safeguarding consumer health. The rise of standards across state and globally – such as Cat4 or Category 4 Testing – reflects a broader commitment to safety, as the industry works to ensure that products are free from contaminants like Aspergillus.

SC Labs continues to lead the charge in delivering advanced testing protocols, supporting retailers, cultivators, and consumers in maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. With ongoing developments in regulatory requirements and consumer awareness, the focus on Aspergillus and microbial testing will only become more prominent in setting a new and crucially-needed standard of trust and safety in the cannabis industry.

* Disclaimer: “Category 4” is not a classification similar to Category 1 and 2—it is a term presently being used to describe testing beyond what is currently required on the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) regulatory panel. Category 4 testing is for R&D testing only. At present, there are no safe amounts established, and there are no action limits.

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Pathogenic Aspergillus in Cannabis & Hemp – The Scoop with Alec Dixon of SC Labs