Want Organic Cannabis? Operators Are Turning To This Tech To Save Millions And Get Certified
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.
Implications of Rescheduling - Podcast
This quarter two seismic shifts occurred in the United States and Germany with a common denominator: the DEA advanced the rescheduling of cannabis from a narcotic to a Class III drug in the USA, and Germany completed the rescheduling with passage of the Cannabis Reform Law April 1. However, the implications are different for the two largest cannabis markets.
Join us for a fireside chat with Arthur de Cordova, a former Country Manager for AstraZeneca in Europe, and CEO of Ziel.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, here!
Business of Cannabis - Interview
Strap in for Episode 1 of our brand new series, Business of Cannabis: Podcast at Cannabis Europa 2024. Kicking things off, CEO of Ziel, Arthur de Cordova joins our host Shahbaaz Kara at the Barbican Centre during our recent Cannabis Europa event - Europe's gateway to global cannabis and thought leadership.
Watch the full episode on Youtube, here!
MJ Biz - July + August Digital Issue
Flip through the digital issue, linked here, ZIEL on pages 28-29.
Opportunities and Benefits of Producing Organic Cannabis Around the World
The allure of organically grown products resonates with consumers worldwide, and cannabis is no exception. From Canada to Colombia, the quest for organic cannabis is reshaping markets and regulations, promising a future where quality and consumer safety are guaranteed in every harvest.
As more countries around the world legalize cannabis, global legal sales are projected to hit $58 billion in just four years. With expanded access, import and export regulations are expected to be standardized to simplify the global trade of cannabis.
Read the full article on Cannabis & Tech Today.
MITA - Cannabis + Microbial Decontamination
In this video, we're diving into a significant topic that highlights a crucial aspect of the agricultural industry: food safety and regulatory compliance. Specifically, we're focusing on the challenges faced by California's almond producers during the infamous salmonella outbreak. The video discusses the importance of proper microbial decontamination in the cannabis industry, highlighting the challenges faced by cultivators in maintaining product quality and safety. It explores how the founders of Zeal, a company that provides a non-chemical, organic solution to address microbial issues, entered the cannabis industry after their experience in the food industry dealing with similar concerns around pathogens. The video emphasizes the necessity of having a "kill step" in the cultivation process to ensure products pass stringent microbial testing requirements and avoid costly product recalls.
Watch the full episode on Youtube, here!
Ziel Nominated for Cannabis Startup of the Year by Business of Cannabis
View the short list of nominations here.
Cannabis Industry Braces for EU Demand Surge Following German Legalization
And the opportunity should be "very appealing" for U.S. equipment manufacturers.
Read the full article, linked here.
Ziel Partners with Portocanna to Receive the First EU GMP Certification for the Use of Frequency Technology for Microbial Control in Cannabis
May 16, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ziel, the industry leader providing next-generation customized, microbial control solutions for the agriculture and cannabis industries, today announced that its partner Portocanna, a medical cannabis processor in Portugal received GMP validation for the decontamination of cannabis flower using Ziel’s radio Frequency System (RF) technology. With the GMP certification in an EU member state, Portocanna is well positioned to supply medical cannabis from their EU-GMP pharmaceutical facility to the expanding markets in Germany and the UK.
“We are delighted that our radio frequency technology has received the first EU GMP approval for microbial control through our partnership with Portocanna,” says Arthur de Cordova, CEO and Co-Founder of Ziel. “We are well positioned in the EU to solve a problem every cultivator needs to address if they want to secure a presence in the rapidly growing European cannabis market.”
GMP defines the minimum standard that medical manufacturers must meet in their product processing operations under the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which coordinates and standardizes GMP activities at the European Union (EU) level. All entities that import or export cannabis to and within the EU are required to be GMP certified, representing a substantial investment and commitment to comply with these regulations. With this first GMP certification, Ziel’s technology now provides cultivators and post-harvest processors seeking to produce within the EU, or export to the EU, a clear, streamlined pathway for integrating a microbial control step into their operations.
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. In the European market, radio frequency does not require additional labeling and licensing for use in cannabis decontamination. For example, Germany requires registration of all strains treated with ionizing radiation (X-ray, gamma, and e-beam) prior to distribution within the country; a process that takes 6 to 9 months and an administrative fee of €2,500 per strain.
“Portocanna is extremely well positioned to increase medical cannabis exports from its EU GMP-certified facility,” said Amit Adri, CEO and founder of Portocanna S.A. “The use of radio frequency in our GMP processes allows us to efficiently meet increased demand following passage of Germany’s landmark cannabis reform law passed April 1, and efficiently meet strict German regulatory requirements for cannabis safety.”
“Domestically, Portocanna’s has received approval for one of its cannabis formulations on the Portuguese market,” continued Edri. “Our products are treated with radio frequency to meet Infarmed and EU requirements for patient safety.”
To learn more about Ziel or the RFX, please visit www.ziel.com.
About Ziel
Ziel is the industry leader providing next-generation customized, microbial control solutions for the agriculture and cannabis industries. The markets in which the company currently operates include tree nuts, seeds, and select fruit, as well as cannabis and hemp. Ziel’s products harness radio frequency and microwave technologies to build customized solutions that help customers consistently meet regulatory requirements, preserve product integrity, improve operational processes, and maximize profits. Ziel has a worldwide clientele who commercially process food and cannabis products with installations in the United States, Canada, Australia, Chile, Mexico, and across the EU. Ziel’s corporate headquarters are located in San Francisco. To learn more about Ziel’s solutions visit www.ziel.com.
About Portocanna
Portocanna aims to become the leading medical cannabis processor in Europe. With a 3,000 sqm EU GMP-certified facility, an in-house R&D lab, and the largest cannabis logistics center in the EU, the company is supported by a highly skilled and experienced team. After successfully launching medical cannabis products in Germany and the UK, and with a product soon to be introduced in the Portuguese market, Portocanna is focused on expanding its portfolio in these key markets. Additionally, the company is actively pursuing growth opportunities in other European regions. With 25 proprietary cannabis cultivars developed and registered, along with significant R&D investments, Portocanna is pioneering innovative delivery methods.
Media Contact:
Raquel Heras
Oak PR
Raquel@oakpr.com
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