LEADING CALIFORNIA IN CANNABIS MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING

At Epic Solutions & Analytics we utilize qPCR technology to determine the safety of cannabis/cannabis products and environmental samples with high accuracy. Whether you are testing your grow environment to troubleshoot an existing contamination or your final product before it hits the shelves- our microbiology team will provide you with fast and accurate results. Our facility has the ability to test for the following California Compliant pathogens:

Salmonella:

The CDC estimates that Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections per year. This bacterium, that naturally resides in the intestines of many animals, is shed through animal feces and may contaminate cannabis products through the use of manure, improper hygiene plans, and cross- contamination from other food/water sources. People who are exposed to Salmonella may experience diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, or even death.

E. coli stx1/stx2 (STEC):

E. coli is a bacterium that naturally resides in the intestines of many animals, is shed through animal feces and may contaminate cannabis products through the use of manure, improper hygiene plans, and cross- contamination from other food/water sources. STEC is a pathogenic E. coli strain that produces a toxin that can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting, kidney failure, or even death.

Pathogenic Aspergillus:

Aspergillus is a fungus commonly found in soil as well as on live and decomposing vegetation. The four main types of pathogenic Aspergillus species are: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus. All four species have the ability to cause aspergillosis: a disease that can cause inflammation of the respiratory system, allergy symptoms, Aspergilloma, and even death. Aspergillus is spread through air-borne spores and growth is encouraged in areas with improper ventilation, excessive moisture, and high temperatures.

A. flavus:

Aspergillus flavus causes rot in cannabis plants both before and after the plant has been harvested. Many strains produce mycotoxins such as Aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen linked to liver cancer.

A. fumigatus:
Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common Aspergillus species that causes disease in immunocompromised cannabis users.

A. terreus:

Aspergillus terreus is an antifungal drug resistant species that can cause aspergillosis in immunocompromised cannabis users.

A. niger:

Aspergillus niger is one of the most common species of aspergillus. This species, which is found in soil, causes “Black Mold” on cannabis plants. A. niger is less likely to cause human disease than the other pathogenic species. However, aspergillosis can still occur in immunocompromised cannabis users.