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At PURPLEFARM, we understand that the world of cannabis can sometimes feel like a maze, especially when it comes to topics like irradiation. Since the legalization of cannabis, the practice of irradiation has sparked debates among Licensed Producers (LPs) and consumers alike. Some questions that come up often include: Is irradiation necessary? Does it impact the potency of cannabinoids and terpenes? And, perhaps most commonly, is my cannabis radioactive?
While irradiation has been a controversial topic, it's estimated that 80-90% of cannabis producers in Canada regularly use it to sterilize their products. But does this process affect your cannabis experience? Let’s break it down.
Irradiation is the process of using radiation to eliminate harmful contaminants like bacteria, fungus, and mold from products. While it's commonly used for dried spices and certain food products in Canada, it is particularly useful in the cannabis industry due to its effectiveness in meeting Health Canada's strict microbial limits. Irradiation helps ensure that cannabis is free of dangerous microorganisms, ensuring safer products for consumers.
You can rest easy—irradiated cannabis won’t turn you into a superhero, and it’s certainly not radioactive. The radiation used in cannabis sterilization is minimal and is generally done with gamma rays, though electron beams and x-rays may also be used. To give you a simple analogy, think of the way your personal items pass through an x-ray machine at airport security—they don’t come out radioactive.
This process is often referred to as "cold pasteurization" or "electronically pasteurized" to downplay any stigma associated with irradiation. It's important to note that not all cannabis products undergo irradiation—this technique is primarily applied to dried flower to prevent microbial contamination. For instance, cannabis edibles aren't irradiated, and Health Canada has strict guidelines about which food products are eligible for irradiation, such as potatoes, onions, and certain dried spices.
Despite being a proven method for ensuring product safety, irradiation in cannabis still faces skepticism. Much of the stigma stems from safety concerns and misunderstandings about the process. Some argue that irradiation can affect the quality of cannabis, but how much of this is rooted in fact?
According to the SQDC (Société Québécoise du Cannabis), irradiated cannabis is safe for human consumption. The radiation levels used are well below any threshold that could pose a health risk. Irradiation is widely used by cannabis producers to eliminate harmful contaminants like bacteria, mold, yeast, and parasites, ensuring the product adheres to Health Canada's rigorous safety standards.
For consumers, one of the main concerns surrounding irradiation is its impact on cannabinoids and terpenes. Some claim that irradiated cannabis tastes "burnt" or lacks potency. A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that while there was a slight reduction in terpenes, the cannabinoid content remained largely unaffected. The terpene loss was comparable to what happens when cannabis is stored in a paper bag for a week.
The question of whether irradiation is truly necessary is where things get complicated. While Health Canada doesn’t mandate irradiation for cannabis, many LPs choose to use it because it helps meet the strict microbial safety requirements. However, some producers argue that good growing practices should be enough to avoid the need for irradiation. This is where craft cannabis producers like PURPLEFARM truly shine—our commitment to high-quality, carefully grown cannabis means we have the ability to produce exceptional products without relying on irradiation.
In fact, irradiation is not universally required. While it’s common in Canada, as many as 56 countries globally use irradiation to sanitize food and prolong shelf life. For some cannabis consumers, particularly those using cannabis for medicinal purposes, irradiation can be a beneficial safeguard. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands even require medical cannabis to undergo irradiation due to concerns over contamination.
While the majority of cannabis consumers might not worry about irradiation, transparency remains important. In Canada, Health Canada mandates that edibles must include a label indicating if they’ve been irradiated. Some producers, however, choose to go a step further by providing clear labeling for all their cannabis products—whether irradiated or not—allowing consumers to make informed choices.
At PURPLEFARM, we believe in giving our customers the best possible cannabis experience. Whether you prefer irradiated or non-irradiated products, it's all about choice, quality, and transparency. Our goal is to provide you with premium, craft cannabis grown with care and attention, ensuring that every product that leaves our facility is of the highest standard.
Explore our range of non-irradiated cannabis products today and make an informed decision based on what’s right for you.
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