5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Gamma irradiation does not fully eliminate toxic fungi or their chemical residues in cannabis, posing risks to users.

• 2

  Current sterilization practices may underestimate contamination risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.

• 3

  The study found viable spores and mycotoxins in irradiated cannabis, indicating incomplete sterilization.

• 4

  Combining culture-based, molecular, and immunological methods provides a more thorough assessment of contamination.

• 5

  Stricter safety standards for medicinal cannabis are needed to prevent contamination during cultivation and processing.