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May 20, 2025
A new standard approved by ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) will aid in reducing the risk of microbiological contamination of cannabis products.
“Contamination is of grave concern to consumers and cannabis regulating authorities and an increasing number of states require yeast, mold, and bacterial testing on cannabis products,” said ASTM member Carly Bader. “Therefore, having a clearly defined microbial control step or way of lowering these contaminants to an acceptable level is critical to preventing economic losses while maintaining public and environmental health and safety.”
Bader, manager of science, Willow Industries, notes that several techniques exist that can be implemented to lower microbial contamination after it has occurred. However, no guidance documents exist to explain which techniques may be used on post-harvest inflorescence of a cannabis sativa L. plant. The new standard (D8575) provides an ongoing list of such techniques, using information obtained from techniques that have been implemented in other industries, specifically food safety.
Cannabis cultivators, regulatory agencies, and consumers, all of whom are concerned with the safety of cannabis products, will find the new standard useful.
ASTM International is a not-for-profit nongovernmental organization that develops voluntary consensus standards and defers to appropriate government authorities to determine the legal and regulatory framework regarding the control and use of cannabis.
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.
July / August 2025
