How to Choose the Best Cannabis Cleaning Machine
Cultivators committed to the cannabis industry long-term are preparing for federal oversight and global trade opportunities ahora, and both require the consistent ability to produce a clean product that’s safe for consumption. When it comes to an agricultural commodity like cannabis, that means ensuring the final product is free of mold and pathogens.
To stay ahead of the growing pains that will come with the inevitable progress of the industry, future-focused business owners are ensuring their products are already clean and safe for the masses by incorporating a cannabis cleaning machine into their operation. Just as in other agricultural industries like dairy or nuts, cannabis products will eventually be required to be decontaminated before sale, regardless of the cleanliness of the grow. Adding a mold remediation machine to standard operating procedures (SOPs) now means avoiding the shock—and expense—of changes and updates later.
Picking the right cannabis machine for your needs starts with these three steps.
1) Choose a Cannabis Decontamination Technology
Cannabis cleaning machines use different technologies to address mold. These are the most common options.
Radiación ionizante
Ionizing radiation includes technologies like X-ray, e-beam, and gamma rays. These technologies irradiate the product to kill mold and pathogens. They have generally been considered safe; however, regulators are starting to sway cultivators against ionizing radiation as it alters the molecular structure of the plant.
For example, in Canada, producers who decontaminate their cannabis with ionizing radiation must label their products with the Radura, the international symbol that indicates a product has been irradiated. Regulators in the state of Nevada have considered implementing the same.
Similarly, in Germany, any importer who uses ionizing radiation technology to treat their flower must obtain a special license that costs around €4,500 per strain and takes nearly a year to secure.
For these reasons, many businesses are instead considering other cannabis decontamination technologies.
Radiación no ionizante
Non-ionizing radiation includes technologies like cold plasma and Radio Frequency (RF).
Cold plasma is a remediation technology that initiates a high-voltage electrical charge within a gas, creating a cloud of electrons, ions, photons, and free radicals that transfer their excess energy onto the flower. This triggers oxidative reactions that damage the DNA of mold and pathogens and poke holes in their membranes. Although currently considered safe, more research is needed to determine the impact of using free radicals.
RF uses long, slow wavelengths to penetrate the flower to its core. These wavelengths do not alter the molecular structure of the plant or produce free radicals. The USDA and National Organic Program (NOP) have already approved this technology under the USDA Organic label, and it’s been EU GMP-validated, meeting even Germany’s strict standards.
Non-ionizing machines also come with the benefit of completing the entire decontamination process onsite, whereas technologies like e-beam and gamma must be done entirely offsite.
2) Compare Machine Specs and Parts
Choosing the decontamination technology you want will significantly narrow down your options for a cannabis cleaning machine. From there, it’s crucial to analyze the machine itself.
Consider questions like:
- How and where is the machine manufactured? Will it be quick and easy to get replacement parts, or will you have to wait for them to be shipped from across the globe?
- What consumable materials will the machine use, and are those also easily accessible or will they ship from the other side of the planet?
- How much waste will the machine produce?
- How much electricity will the machine use, and how much will that increase your energy bill?
- How many people are needed to man the machine? How much will this cost in labor?
- Will you have to change or renovate your current operation’s layout/floor plan to incorporate the machine?
- Does the machine require extra equipment? (For example, X-ray technology needs extra chiller equipment to complete the decontamination process.)
- Does the machine require downtime, or can it stay running?
Answering these questions will help to determine the operational costs for the machine so you can see if it's a viable option for your business.
3) Compare Provided Training and Customer Support
Likewise, it’s important to understand if you’re getting just a machine or if you're getting a machine and a team of professionals (or at least a point of contact) for training and troubleshooting. If you are getting a team of support with your machine, get clear on whether that support is for a limited time or the duration of the machine’s lifetime.
When researching this, ask the sales reps of the cannabis cleaning machines you’re considering if they can connect you with some of their current customers so you can gather firsthand information. You can also ask the rep to share case studies or testimonials and seek out the businesses those highlight to get their direct thoughts about the cannabis cleaning machine and its accompanying support.
Explore the Industry’s Leading Cannabis Cleaning Machine
Now that you know the factors to consider when finding the best cannabis machine for your needs, get to know the non-ionizing machine that cultivators around the world use for mold remediation.
Using the power of Radio Frequency, the Ziel RFX is leading the cannabis industry in safe decontamination. This cannabis cleaning machine can remediate up to 160 pounds of cannabis flower in an eight-hour shift with no downtime.
The Ziel RFX also offers cultivators the chance to learn more about the intricacies of their grow by comparing data from certificates of analysis (COAs) and remediation cycles to identify strains more prone to mold and create strain-specific recipes that promise a 99.9% pass rate with regulatory compliance. This data is updated in real time so you can adjust your decontamination cycles accordingly if need be.
When you partner with Ziel, you gain a team of technicians and scientists ready to help with troubleshooting and data analytics so you can get the most out of your cannabis cleaning machine.
If you’d like to learn more about the Ziel RFX, or just need an expert to provide more insight into choosing the right cannabis cleaning machine for your needs, contact Ziel today.
Blunt Business Cannabis Radio - Podcast
Ziel is a leading provider of microbial control solutions for the cannabis industry, specializing in high-throughput, non-ionizing radio frequency (RF) technology. Driven by a commitment to innovation and compliance, Ziel offers cutting-edge solutions that ensure product safety, maximize efficiency, and meet stringent regulatory requirements, particularly in the rapidly growing European market.
Unlike competitors who rely on ionizing radiation or face frequent machine breakdowns, Ziel's RF technology guarantees industry-leading throughput with no downtime. This allows processors to treat up to 500 pounds of cannabis in a single 24-hour shift, ensuring a continuous flow of safe, high-quality product. Ziel's technology, rooted in decades of proven science and refined through seven generations of innovation, preserves the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes, maintaining the natural characteristics of the plant. This commitment to quality has earned Ziel a strong reputation and a loyal customer base across Europe and beyond.
Ziel's latest innovation, the Rfx, is a compact and efficient RF solution designed by Richard Bruner, the renowned founder of Apple's Industrial Design group. The Rfx has been enthusiastically received in Europe, where GMP certification is essential for market entry. By offering significant return on investment and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations, the Rfx empowers cannabis operators to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Ziel recognizes the evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing importance of compliance. Their partnership with Porta Canna, achieving the first EU GMP certification for RF microbial control in cannabis, underscores their dedication to meeting the highest industry standards. Ziel's proactive approach to compliance, including the development of comprehensive turnover packages for prospective customers, positions them as a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complexities of the European market.
Biz Con - Inside the Conference, by Kelly Dixon
"Our first stop was booth number 5027, Ziel. Ziel specializes in cannabis mold and microbial remediation, and they manufacture one of the most impressive units in the entire conference. Ziel’s RFX unit works miracles and uses proprietary technology to sanitize material without jeopardizing the quality, flavor, and bag appeal of the flower. Arthur de Cordova, the CEO and co-founder of Ziel explained to me how his technology using radio frequency remediates bacteria and mold in cannabis, and unlike ionizing forms of radiation such as X-ray, gamma, and e-beam, radio frequency is a non-ionizing, thermal process compliant with organic processes. Arthur is a wealth of knowledge, and we were honored that he gave us a few minutes of his time during such a busy conference."
From Seed to Sustainability: How Cannabis Companies Are Going Green
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 Ziel, 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.
Read the Full Article here!
California cannabis recalls highlight importance of decontamination
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.
Read the Full Article here!
¿Quieres cannabis orgánico? Los operadores recurren a esta tecnología para ahorrar millones y obtener la certificación
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, Arturo de Córdoba, 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.
Read the full Benzinga article here!
Colombia se perfila como proveedor mundial de cannabis
Arthur de Cordova, director ejecutivo y cofundador de Ziel, una empresa internacional de soluciones de control microbiano agrícola y de cannabis, le cuenta a Business of Cannabis cómo Colombia está dando pasos importantes para consolidar su presencia en el mercado de cannabis europeo y en todo el mundo.
Las oportunidades globales en la industria del cannabis están en su punto más alto, con mercados en la Unión Europea, Estados Unidos, América Latina y Canadá madurando y experimentando un crecimiento significativo.
A medida que estos mercados evolucionan, se espera que la estandarización de las regulaciones para las importaciones y exportaciones agilice el comercio mundial de cannabis.
Los principales exportadores de cannabis medicinal, como Colombia, están en condiciones de convertirse en líderes tempranos del mercado al cumplir con las regulaciones de las naciones que actualmente dependen de las importaciones internacionales debido a capacidades de producción interna limitadas o nulas.
El surgimiento de Colombia como actor clave en el mercado del cannabis
Desde que se legalizó el cannabis medicinal en 2016, Colombia ha desarrollado rápidamente sus capacidades de producción y distribución.
Este avance aceleró el establecimiento de los procesos regulatorios necesarios para la exportación de cannabis, especialmente después de que el país levantara su prohibición a la exportación de flores secas de cannabis en 2021.
Este cambio regulatorio marcó un momento crucial para la industria del cannabis del país, presentando una oportunidad significativa para que Colombia influya en el mercado global al convertirse en un centro de exportación líder.
El entorno de Colombia es ideal para el cultivo al aire libre a gran escala, ofreciendo 12 horas de sol diarias durante todo el año, lo que permite múltiples cosechas de cannabis al año.
Además, la mano de obra y la tierra son más económicas en Colombia que en lugares como Europa y Estados Unidos, lo que posiciona al país para emerger como uno de los principales proveedores de bajo costo del mundo.
Para poder exportar a un número cada vez mayor de países, Colombia se adhiere a las regulaciones que son estándar en toda Europa para la producción de cannabis orgánico.
Los cultivadores colombianos que buscan exportar a más de 20 países europeos que han legalizado el cannabis medicinal, incluidos Albania, Croacia, República Checa, Dinamarca, Alemania, Grecia e Irlanda, deben seguir las pautas de la UE GACP (Buenas Prácticas Agrícolas y de Recolección) y GMP (Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura) para el cultivo y la fabricación, y adherirse a los límites microbianos establecidos por la Farmacopea Europea.
Con la implementación de estas normas, Colombia está preparada para satisfacer la creciente demanda de cannabis en toda la UE, lo que indica un crecimiento rápido y continuo de las exportaciones de cannabis colombiano. En consecuencia, la inversión internacional en la industria del cannabis de Colombia ha seguido expandiéndose, con un enfoque en la exportación a Europa y Australia.
En Alemania, los importadores mayoristas prefieren el cannabis tratado con radiofrecuencia no ionizante en lugar de la radiación ionizante debido a la carga adicional que supone registrar productos tratados con radiación ionizante (AMRadV, que puede dar lugar a un proceso de aprobación de 8 a 12 meses).
Además, las preferencias de los consumidores también están impulsando la demanda de productos no tratados con radiación ionizante (rayos X, gamma, e-beam). Con un enfoque en el cultivo al aire libre de bajo costo y la afluencia de inversiones internacionales, los cultivadores colombianos están preparados para satisfacer la creciente demanda de cannabis no ionizado y tratado orgánicamente en Europa.
El enfoque de Colombia en adherirse a estándares globales augura un futuro prometedor donde la calidad y la seguridad del consumidor están garantizadas en cada cosecha en todo el mundo.
Visita el artículo original de Business of Cannabis, aquí.
¿Quieres cannabis orgánico? Los operadores recurren a esta tecnología para ahorrar millones y obtener la certificación
Cómo funciona la tecnología de radiofrecuencia
La tecnología de radiofrecuencia (RF) de Ziel ofrece una solución no ionizante a la contaminación microbiana del cannabis, que puede causar graves riesgos para la salud de los consumidores y dar lugar a costosos cierres regulatorios para los operadores.
De Cordova explicó cómo funciona la tecnología de RF a nivel molecular: "La tecnología de RF funciona bajo la premisa de que las moléculas de agua tienen polaridad positiva y negativa. Al alinear estas moléculas de agua con un campo electromagnético, creamos fricción, que genera energía térmica".
La clave de la solución de Ziel es el calentamiento volumétrico. flor de cannabis Se coloca dentro de la máquina de RF y todo el producto se calienta de manera uniforme de borde a borde, a diferencia de los métodos convencionales en los que el calor se aplica desde el exterior, lo que a menudo da como resultado un calentamiento desigual. De Cordova ilustró la diferencia.
"Si piensas en cocinar un pavo en el horno, el exterior se cocina demasiado mientras que el interior puede quedar poco cocido. Pero con la tecnología RF, logramos la temperatura de muerte objetivo de 80 °C en toda la flor sin quemar el exterior. Este calentamiento uniforme es crucial porque si alguna parte de la flor no alcanza los 80 °C, la Los contaminantes microbianos no se erradicarán por completo", explicó.
No ionizante vs. ionizante: la ventaja orgánica
Este método de calentamiento volumétrico es lo que diferencia a la radiofrecuencia de las técnicas tradicionales como los rayos X. Tanto los métodos de rayos gamma como los de rayos E funcionan alterando la estructura molecular del cannabis, lo que puede degradar los cannabinoides y terpenos que son esenciales para la potencia, el sabor y el aroma del producto.
"La RF preserva las cualidades sensoriales del cannabis", dijo de Cordova, "porque calienta la flor de manera uniforme sin dañar la integridad de sus cannabinoides o terpenos".
Además, explicó que la tecnología de radiofrecuencia opera en el lado no ionizante del espectro electromagnético, lo que la convierte en una solución compatible con productos orgánicos. Por el contrario, las tecnologías ionizantes, como la radiación gamma y los rayos X, alteran la estructura molecular de la materia, lo que descalifica esos métodos para su uso en productos orgánicos.
Tecnología sostenible y escalable
Además, la tecnología RF utiliza solo electricidad, por lo que no requiere productos químicos, gases ni sistemas de ventilación nocivos, lo que aumenta aún más su atractivo para los operadores que buscan sostenible y eficiente "Nuestras máquinas son compactas y escalables (requieren solo una alimentación monofásica de 240 V), lo que las hace accesibles para operadores de todos los tamaños", señaló De Cordova.
De Cordova destacó la eficiencia de la máquina: "En aproximadamente 15 minutos, la máquina procesa hasta cinco libras de flor de cannabis".
Cómo la tecnología de Ziel respalda la certificación orgánica
Para los operadores que buscan la certificación orgánica, la tecnología RF de Ziel ofrece una clara ventaja. "Nuestra tecnología no es ionizante, lo que significa que califica como orgánica", dijo de Cordova. Por el contrario, los métodos ionizantes como los rayos gamma y X no cumplen con los estándares orgánicos.
Esto es especialmente importante para los mercados donde el cumplimiento orgánico del USDA es un diferenciador clave para los productos de cannabis.
Ventaja competitiva: eficiencia y ahorro de costes
Las máquinas RF de Ziel ofrecen ahorros significativos en comparación con la competencia. “En 24 horas, nuestra máquina puede procesar 480 libras de cannabis, mientras que máquinas similares que utilizan otras tecnologías solo pueden procesar 90 libras”, explicó de Cordova.
Esta eficiencia, combinada con la capacidad de la tecnología para evitar fallas de productos, ayuda a los operadores a recuperar costos rápidamente. "Con una tasa de fallas de 10%, un operador podría recuperar esa cantidad en tan solo unos meses al rescatar un producto que de otro modo se perdería".
Las máquinas de Ziel también están certificadas para su uso en Europa, con su primera instalación en Portugal. "Nos asociamos con una instalación GMP aquí en Portugal y pasamos por el riguroso proceso de certificación de la máquina para su uso en el mercado europeo", dijo de Cordova. Este proceso de certificación es fundamental, especialmente para exportar cannabis a mercados estrictos como Alemania, donde el cumplimiento de las normas GMP es obligatorio.
Implicaciones de la reprogramación - Podcast
Este trimestre se produjeron dos cambios radicales en Estados Unidos y Alemania con un denominador común: la DEA adelantó la reclasificación del cannabis de narcótico a droga de Clase III en Estados Unidos, y Alemania completó la reclasificación con la aprobación de la Ley de Reforma del Cannabis el 1 de abril. Sin embargo, las implicaciones son diferentes para los dos mercados de cannabis más grandes.
Únase a nosotros para una charla informal con Arthur de Cordova, ex gerente nacional de AstraZeneca en Europa y director ejecutivo de Ziel.
Escucha el episodio completo en Spotify, aquí!
Negocio del Cannabis - Entrevista
Prepárese para el episodio 1 de nuestra nueva serie, Business of Cannabis: Podcast en Cannabis Europa 2024. Para comenzar, el director ejecutivo de Ziel, Arthur de Cordova, se une a nuestro anfitrión Shahbaaz Kara en el Barbican Center durante nuestro reciente evento Cannabis Europa: la puerta de entrada a Europa. al cannabis global y al liderazgo intelectual.