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Foreign Matter Inspection

Physical Examination for Visible Contaminants

Visual Inspection

Foreign materials in cannabis pose a serious health hazard to patients who are using plant products to treat their medical conditions. A simple physical examination under a high-powered microscope helps ensure the cannabis will not exacerbate conditions or pose new health risks.

Our state-of-the-art digital microscopy equipment enables us to inspect cannabis samples for common contaminants such as grey mold, bud rot, and spider mites. We also examine the state and color of the sample’s trichromes, which helps us determine whether the flower was fully mature when harvested.

TIPSAdvice We've Heard from Expert Growers and Producers

Spider Mite Prevention and Treatment

Spider mite infestations can be prevented or safely controlled  without the use of chemicals. Since most spider mite species prefer dry conditions, turning up the humidity will ward them off. While in a vegetative state, most strains of cannabis will thrive at humidity levels up to 70%. Be sure to turn the humidity down when plants enter the flowering stage, as excessive moisture on buds increases the risk of mold infections.

Spraying leaves with a mixture of soap, lemon juice, garlic extract, cinnamon, or clove oil and water will destroy spider mites, eggs, and webbing. Since their life cycle is three days, spray once every three days, three times in a row.

To avoid injuring the plant:

  • Water the plant before commencing the treatment to minimize absorption through leaves.
  • Don’t use too much of the active ingredient—dilution is often the solution.
  • Do not treat plants with a mixture during the flowering stage.
  • Blot off excessive mixture and soap from leaves and stalks.

Bud Mold Prevention

Waterlogged soil and nighttime temperature drops can lead to bud rot.

  • Do not try to flush out minerals and other elements from soil during the flowering stage. It can take weeks to dry the soil, all the while depleting the root zone of oxygen.
  • Water indoor crops as soon as the lights go on, and outdoor crops in the morning well before noon.
  • Reduce watering two weeks prior to harvest.
  • Don’t let the nighttime indoor grow facility temperature dip below 64-68°F during the flowering stage.
  • Protect plants from caterpillars with horticultural netting. Use overlapping netting at greenhouse entrances to keep bugs out.
  • Rotate plants that do not get an equal amount of light. Mold grows best in the dark.
  • If any plants or buds show signs of mold, isolate them from the other plants in the grow operation.