Spores of bacteria and fungi are omnipresent in our biosphere and as a result may grow anywhere there is water, suitable temperature, and some sort of nutrition source. The presence of bacterial or fungal spores on a raw material does not suggest growth of that bacterium or fungus in any way. However, the abundance of these spores may indicate a general state of cleanliness that requires further testing to validate*. That’s one reason CW Analytical continues testing when high numbers are discovered! We help you discover the source of your contamination and offer recommendations to remedy the problem.

* It should be noted that the following testing attempts only to highlight those recorded data believed to be higher than normal compared to like agricultural and food products..

Cannabis Testing

Specific microbiological tests are performed to assure products are safe for patient consumption.

Bacterial testing (Aerobic Plate Count, APC)- This is a general test to survey the general numbers of bacteria present on a given sample. Aerobic bacteria are a general class of organisms that use atmospheric oxygen and are considered ubiquitous contaminants. In most cases, this is the only bacteriological test needed to be performed on raw material. Under normal hygienic conditions low colony numbers are recorded. In the unlikely event of a positive (large numbers of bacterial colonies being present) test, subsequent specific tests for coliforms, and E. coli would be recommended.

Coliforms- Generally speaking, the spore-forming bacteria fall into the coliform bacteria group. These spore forming bacteria are used as indicator organisms for poor hygiene conditions as they are commonly found in the gut of animals.

E. coli- This test, specific for Escherichia coli, is only performed following high APC counts and is indicative of human and animal waste contaminations.

Yeast/Mold- This is a very general test for the presence of a number of yeast and fungal species. This test provides a medium specific for a variety yeast and fungal species and serves as an indicator based on total number growing colonies recorded. Under normal hygienic conditions low colony numbers are recorded. Since fungal species are somewhat more common on Cannabis flowers and some of them can be pathogenic to humans causing aspergillosis and other lung diseases, this test provides an important safeguard prior to patient consumption.

Non-Inhaled Medicine Testing (edibles)

All finished food products are tested using known AOAC standards for the food group in question. It is also assumed that all foods manufactured will follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of quality and hygiene that will only produce food in compliance with all safety specifications recorded.

The entire food product and label is required on submission. CW Analytical will work with each vendor to construct the proper label using NLEA convention and scientific accuracy. Prices are dependent upon number of labels needed.

Bacterial testing (Aerobic Plate Count, APC)- Aerobic bacteria are a general class of organisms that use atmospheric oxygen and are considered ubiquitous contaminants. Plating for these organisms indicates the general state of cleanliness in the sample. In the unlikely event of a positive test (large colony numbers), subsequent specific tests for coliform and E. coli would be recommended.

Coliforms- Generally speaking the spore forming bacteria fall into the coliform bacteria group. These spore forming bacteria are commonly used as indicator organisms for poor hygiene conditions and sometimes are found in animal wastes
streams. This test is only performed following high APC numbers

E. coli-This test, specific for Escherichia coli, is only performed following high APC counts and is indicative of human and animal waste contaminations.

Yeast/Mold- This is a very general test for the presence of a number yeast and fungal species. This test provides a growth medium for a variety of yeast and fungal species and serves as an indicator based on the total number of growing colonies recorded. Since fungal species are somewhat common on Cannabis flowers and some of them can be pathogenic to humans causing aspergillosis and other lung diseases, this test provides an important safeguard prior to patient consumption.




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