The practice of irradiation, which is sterilization by radiation, within the cannabis cultivation industry was subjected to negative rumors and controversy. Emblem Cannabis released a post titled, “The Science of Irradiation, in order to set the record straight on the process and its non-negative effects on cannabis.

Despite the rumors, irradiation does not harm any treated food or cannabis products and only gets rid of microorganisms that can possibly cause an illness after ingestion.

The need for irradiation is substantial to companies that cannot afford for an organism to spread and ruin their entire crop. Companies also need irradiation because of the high standards held by Health Canada to ensure that the public does not get sick from cannabis that has mold or bacteria.