Solving the Live-Dead Problem
One of the common objections to using qPCR for microbial testing is the fact that the method does not distinguish between live and dead DNA. PCR primers and probes will amplify any DNA in the [...]
Outlawing Vaping Will Not Make it Safer
Recently, some 450 cases of “vape pen” reported illnesses have allegedly contributed to six fatalities (NEJM). This health threat is serious, and tragic for its victims, but compared to the [...]
Why Requiring Testing for Clostridium botulinum on Cannabis is a bad idea
A previous version of draft guidelines for cannabis testing in Florida listed Clostridium botulinum as a target for microbial testing. On the surface, this seems like a prudent action. After all, [...]
There are no AOAC Validated Cannabis Methods for Microbial Testing
The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) publishes microbiological and chemical standards used globally to promote trade and to facilitate public health and safety. Testing labs [...]
Could Trichoderma Cause Total Yeast and Mold Failure?
Yes. Although Trichoderma presents no risk to cannabis consumers or patients, it is a fungus, and it will contribute to a Total Yeast and Mold count. Editor’s Note: It has been brought to [...]
4 Reasons Why PathoSEEK is the Best Microbial Testing Method for Cannabis
Our Senior Research and Development Scientist, Yvonne Helbert, recently spoke with Alex Beadle from Analytical Cannabis about why the PathoSEEK Microbial Safety Testing Platform is the [...]
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Correcting Statements Made About Microbial Testing Controversy in Massachusetts
The Boston Globe recently highlighted an important scientific debate ongoing in the Cannabis testing market of Massachusetts. Daniel Adams wrote this excellent piece on August 21st. On September [...]
Endofungal Bacteria and the implications for Cannabis Safety Testing
In April of 2018, DigiPath Labs and Medicinal Genomics began a research program to better understand testing discordance with 3M TAC and TYM Petri-Films and PathoSEEK qPCR. Discordant samples [...]
DNA-Based Testing Can Distinguish Aspergillus brasiliensis from Aspergillus niger
A case of mistaken identity is causing a disagreement between two Alaska testing labs. According to a KTUU article, state regulators gave an edible marijuana product contaminated with mold to [...]
Download The Most Comprehensive Validation of a Microbial Detection Method on Cannabis
Our Science Team completed an extensive manufacturer’s validation, demonstrating our method for purifying DNA and detecting microbial contamination on cannabis flower, concentrates, and infused [...]
Our Microbial Safety Testing Platform Has a New Name!
It’s been almost three years since we launched the PathogINDICAtor® qPCR Microbial Detection Platform. Since its inception, it has been the most accurate and advanced cannabis microbial safety [...]
Skipping enrichment puts patients’ lives at risk. Is your lab cutting corners?
It has been brought to our attention that some cannabis testing labs use methods for microbial detection that do not include an enrichment step. The news is concerning because enrichment is [...]
California Microbial Testing Requirements for Cannabis Favorable to qPCR Methods
Last week, The Bureau of Cannabis Control released its long-awaited cannabis regulations. The document details the regulations for all aspects of the cannabis industry from cultivation to retail. [...]
Is Powdery Mildew Systemic?
Cannabis growers are divided when it comes to powdery mildew, one of the plant’s most notorious pathogens. In one camp, there are those who believe PM is a systemic pathogen that permeates via [...]
Botrytis Cinerea
Botrytis Cinerea Botrytis is a systemic mold infection in Cannabis. This mold is often called “Bud Rot” or “grey mold”. It can remain cryptic or dormant for long periods of time before it [...]
Microbial Detection Standards for Cannabis Need to Change to Protect Patients
On February 7, the Daily Mail reported a cancer patient in northern California died from a fungal infection that authorities suspect was caused by the inhalation of contaminated medical cannabis. [...]
Potentially Harmful Shortcomings of Culture-Based Microbial Testing
The cannabis industry has a problem… Culture-based testing is the industry standard for detecting harmful microbes on cannabis flower, but the most widely used culture-based tests have [...]
Cannabis Cultivators and Processors Use Genetic Sequencing for Verification and Stability Programs
Medicinal Genomics (MGC) is proud to announce it is partnering with a preliminary group of twelve leading cultivators and processors to develop fully-validated, genomics-based safety and quality [...]
