// Science · Glossary

Microbial Spore Contamination

⚗️ Science First mentioned: Ep. 064

The presence of bacterial and fungal spores in cannabis products, which are ubiquitous in the environment and particularly problematic when products are stored in plastic bags with residual moisture. Water hash is especially susceptible because bacteria and fungi need water to proliferate.

Mark Scialdone explained that spores are everywhere in the air we breathe, and when cannabis is packaged in plastic bags, microbial growth is encouraged. The discussion highlighted that 7 of 8 dry sift entries at the Emerald Cup failed microbial testing, likely due to handling and moisture issues rather than intentional contamination.

Ep. 064 Hash Church LXIV 64