The cannabis industry, historically focused on reducing costs, is now at a critical juncture where sustainability is evolving from a secondary concern to a central operational strategy. More operators are recognizing that environmentally responsible practices can be both economically beneficial and essential for long-term viability as consumers look for organic products that are grown and processed responsibly. Companies like زييل, a leader in the use of radio frequency technology for the decontamination of cannabis flower, demonstrate that sustainable practices and cost-efficiency can align, making a powerful case for greener practices.

The Investment in Sustainability 

Implementing sustainable practices often demands upfront investment and resources, but the long-term benefits are significant. Similar to cannabis cultivation, agricultural farmers are going green by incorporating sustainable tech into their operations. For instance, while robotics and AI are no strangers to agriculture, Carbon Robotics is utilizing a LaserWeeder system to help eliminate weeds from various crops—all without relying on toxic chemical herbicides or disruptive soil practices. Carbon Robotics helps farmers reduce the high cost of manual labor while also providing USDA organic farmers with a solution for removing weeds without the use of herbicides. These efforts not only foster a loyal customer base dedicated to environmental responsibility but also establish the farmer and tech providers as leaders in the organic sector.

The Path to Certification 

Currently, cannabis products lack the ability to be USDA Organic certified due to the plant’s federal status as a controlled substance. However, with the potential for cannabis to be reclassified as a Schedule III substance, there will be an opening for FDA oversight, which could pave the way for USDA and National Organic Program (NOP) standards to apply to cannabis cultivators in a similar manner as the agricultural food industry. If this occurs, cannabis products adhering to these standards may finally earn organic certification, aligning with the guidelines currently applied to food and supplements. Not only do cultivation protocols determine organic certification, post-harvest processes impact certification as well. Therefore, selecting a microbial control solution technology that is compliant with organic processes is critical.

Sustainable Microbial Control Methods

Radio frequency is a non-ionizing radiation treatment that has been used to pasteurize food products for decades. It is considered safe for consumer consumption by the FDA and USDA, as well as compliant with NOP organic processes. Products treated with ionizing radiation are ineligible for organic certification under USDA and FDA guidelines. In Canada, the Radura symbol is required for both food and cannabis products exposed to ionizing radiation like gamma, e-beam and X-ray options. These treatment methods are effective but controversial, as ionizing radiation can alter the molecular structure of cannabis, potentially impacting its terpene profile and other active compounds.

A non-ionizing treatment like radio frequency technology offers several advantages for sustainable cannabis processing. Unlike traditional decontamination methods that are energy and resource intensive, the Ziel RFX requires only electricity and processing bags—eliminating the need for chemicals or waste disposal. For instance, the RFX can decontaminate 160 lbs of cannabis in just 8 hours for under $10 in electricity, reducing environmental impact while boosting energy efficiency.

Conversely, ionizing cannabis remediation technologies have other associated costs outside of regulations. For example, e-beam and gamma remediation must be done off-site, costing cultivators time and money for transportation, insurance, and administration. X-ray equipment can be installed on-site, though it does require the installation of additional chiller equipment, adding cost and an additional layer of initial permitting and annual renewals. Radio Frequency remediation, on the other hand, doesn’t call for any extra licensing, labeling, or facility upgrades. It can be done on-site, and the technology has already been screened by the USDA in other applications.

Lastly, the Ziel RFX device is designed with a lifespan of over 20 years, eliminating the need for frequent parts replacements and significantly reducing waste. Unlike other market options, which often require ongoing repairs or major modifications to facilities, the RFX is a durable, cost-effective solution that supports both sustainability and operational efficiency in the long term.

Technologies like radio frequency, provide a sustainable solution for microbial control that aligns with both U.S. and Canadian organic guidelines and with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified operations in the U.S. and E.U.

Pathways to Sustainable Certification

As the industry awaits the possibility of federal organic certification, cultivators can seek alternative credentials. Programs like Envirocann and EnvirOganic, are geared toward those with strict adherence to sustainable farming practices and manufacturers who follow strict compliance in a laboratory setting, GMP, and environmental awareness. Coastal Sun Farms, in California, exemplifies this approach with its commitment to ecological farming.

Another prominent option is the Clean Green Certified program, the largest and most awarded cannabis certification, promoting sustainable practices. CULTA, a Maryland-owned craft cannabis brand, was the first farm in the state certified by Clean Green for its no-till farming methods and integrated pest management, which includes the use of beneficial insects in the live soil.

Beyond Cultivation: Sustainable Sourcing

Sustainability is not limited to cultivation. Many companies incorporate ethical sourcing practices into their supply chains. Grön, a cannabis edibles brand, achieved a milestone in 2019 as the first cannabis chocolate brand to receive Fair Trade certification, supporting sustainable income for cocoa farmers and their communities.

The Future of Sustainable Cannabis

As environmentally responsible practices continue to gain momentum in cannabis, the industry is moving toward more sustainable hardware and ethical processes. Cultivators and manufacturers adopting eco-friendly methods—whether through certification programs, Fair Trade sourcing, or energy-efficient technology—are setting the stage for cannabis to become a model of ethical and sustainable operations. This dedication will not only enhance consumer trust but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.

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In August, California’s Department of Cannabis Control issued five marijuana product recalls that cited the presence of aspergillus, bringing the total number of such recalls to 21 for 2024.

This sharp rise in mold-related recalls – particularly for aspergillus – has cannabis cultivators across the state on high alert.

While most strains of this common mold are harmless, certain species can cause severe respiratory problems in people with weakened immune systems, asthma or underlying lung conditions.

With the health of consumers and the profitability of cultivators at stake, a “decontamination step” or “kill step” in the cultivation process can act as a proactive safeguard.

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How do you know if your cannabis is truly organic? Cannabis operators are now using cutting-edge technology to meet strict organic compliance standards while eliminating microbial risks—without harmful chemicals.

In an exclusive Benzinga Cannabis interview, Ziel’s CEO and Co-Founder, Arthur de Cordova, shared insights into their innovative radiofrequency (RF) technology, highlighting its unique advantages:

• Preserves product quality: Eliminates microbial risks while maintaining the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Ensures organic compliance: A non-ionizing solution that meets strict organic certification standards.
• No harmful chemicals: RF technology offers a clean, chemical-free process unlike traditional methods such as X-rays.
• Competitive edge: Features volumetric heating for uniform treatment, ensuring consistent results across the entire cannabis flower.

Ziel’s RF machines deliver unmatched precision, efficiency, and compliance, making them a game-changer for operators aiming to meet organic cannabis standards while reducing costs.

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Visit the original Business of Cannabis article, here.

How Radio frequency Technology Works

Ziel's radiofrequency (RF) technology offers a non-ionizing solution to microbial contamination in cannabis, which can cause serious health risks for consumers and lead to costly regulatory shutdowns for operators.

 De Cordova explained how RF technology works at a molecular level: "RF technology operates on the premise that water molecules have both a positive and negative polarity. By aligning these water molecules with an electromagnetic field, we create friction, which generates thermal energy."

The key to Ziel’s solution is volumetric heating. When cannabis flower is placed inside the RF machine, the entire product is heated evenly from edge to edge, unlike conventional methods where heat is applied from the outside, often resulting in uneven heating. De Cordova illustrated the difference.

"If you think about cooking a turkey in the oven, the outside gets overcooked while the inside may still be undercooked. But with RF technology, we achieve the target kill temperature of 80°C throughout the entire flower without burning the outside. This uniform heating is crucial because if any part of the flower doesn’t reach 80°C, the microbial contaminants won't be fully eradicated," he explained.

Non-Ionizing Vs. Ionizing: The Organic Advantage

This method of volumetric heating is what sets RF apart from traditional techniques like X-rays. Both gamma and E-beam methods work by altering the molecular structure of the cannabis, which can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes that are essential for the product’s potency, flavor and aroma.

"RF preserves the sensory qualities of cannabis," de Cordova said, "because it heats the flower uniformly without damaging the integrity of its cannabinoids or terpenes."

He further explained that RF technology operates on the non-ionizing side of the electromagnetic spectrum, which makes it an organic-compliant solution. In contrast, ionizing technologies like gamma radiation and X-rays alter the molecular structure of the matter, disqualifying those methods from being used in organic products.

Sustainable And Scalable Technology

Additionally, RF technology uses only electricity, requiring no harmful chemicals, gases, or ventilation systems, further enhancing its appeal to operators looking for sustainable and efficient decontamination methods. "Our machines are compact and scalable —requiring only 240V single-phase power—, making them accessible for operators of all sizes," de Cordova noted.

De Cordova highlighted the efficiency of the machine: "In about 15 minutes, the machine processes up to five pounds of cannabis flower."

How Ziel's Technology Supports Organic Certification

For operators seeking organic certification, Ziel's RF technology provides a clear advantage. "Our technology is non-ionizing, meaning it qualifies as organic," de Cordova said. In contrast, ionizing methods like gamma and X-ray do not meet organic standards.

This is especially important for markets where USDA Organic compliance is a key differentiator for cannabis products.

Competitive Edge: Efficiency And Cost Savings

Ziel's RF machines offer significant savings compared to competitors. “In 24 hours, our machine can process 480 pounds of cannabis, while similar machines using other technologies can only process 90 pounds,” de Cordova explained.

This efficiency, combined with the technology's ability to prevent product failures, helps operators recover costs quickly. "With a 10% failure rate, an operator could recoup that in just a few months by salvaging otherwise lost product."

Ziel’s machines are also certified for use in Europe, with their first installation in Portugal. "We partnered with a GMP facility here in Portugal and went through the rigorous process of certifying the machine for use in the European market," de Cordova said. This certification process is critical, especially for exporting cannabis to strict markets like Germany, where compliance with GMP standards is mandatory.

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Flip through the digital issue, linked here, ZIEL on pages 28-29.

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