Cannabis irradiation
By SQDC.ca | Edited on May 14, 2026
Cannabis production is a complex activity. Even though licensed producers have particularly green thumbs, there are countless microorganisms that can threaten the integrity and quality of the product at any time. These include bacteria, molds, and potential yeasts, to name just a few.
So, how do producers ensure that the product maintains its quality while preserving its properties? One process in particular is widely used, yet still not well known: irradiation.
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Key information to remember
- Irradiation is a process that uses gamma or X-rays to eliminate microorganisms.
- It aims to eliminate bacteria, mold, and other contaminants.
- Irradiation may have minimal impacts on terpenes, but no impact on cannabinoid levels has been identified to date.
- Irradiated cannabis does not present an additional health risk.
- It is a recognized method used to comply with Health Canada standards.
- Irradiation is not mandatory: it is at the supplier’s discretion depending on their production method.
What is irradiation?
Irradiation is the process of exposing a product to rays (generally gamma or X-ray), with the goal of eliminating bacteria, preventing contamination and mould, as well as prolonging its shelf life.
To give you a better idea, it’s the same process used to sterilize medical instruments, for the elimination of cancerous cells and for NASA’s dehydrated food.
Irradiation is a technique that is used regularly in the food industry. For example, spices, potatoes, onions, garlic, flour, ground beef can, in Canada, be irradiated before making their way to grocery store shelves.
According to Mrs. Monique Lacroix1, professor at the INRS and leading expert on food irradiation, irradiation is frequently practiced in more than 45 countries around the world. It is mainly used in pharmaceuticals, medicine (cancer detection and treatment, sterilization of surgical instruments, etc.), in manufacturing (polymeric materials for automobiles and airplanes), in agriculture, in environment (degradation of contaminants), and even gemmology (improvement of the color of precious stones). In the food industry, it is used to varying degrees and on various foods, but always with the same goal in mind: to help reduce the risk of contamination.
The effect of irradiation on cannabis
Contrary to popular belief, regulated irradiation does not degrade cannabis quality. Instead, it reduces the risk of contamination for both products and consumers.
Canadian regulations specify that cannabis products must meet strict safety standards regarding microbial contamination, and irradiation is currently an effective method to achieve this.
One study2 showed that the treatment did not change cannabinoid content (THC, CBD, etc.) in cannabis. Likewise, moisture content and the microscopic structure of dried cannabis flowers were not altered by the standard irradiation protocol in the studied cannabis varieties. The effect of irradiation was limited to a minimal reduction of certain terpenes, and this loss is comparable to the normal evaporation observed after harvest and storage3.
In the words of Arno Hazekamp, the researcher leading the study:
“Some terpenes are reduced, but no new compounds are formed. This means that terpenes evaporate to some extent rather than being broken down into new compounds. Irradiation slightly accelerates evaporation, but it does not destroy your cannabis.”
It should be noted that irradiation is not systematic: some cannabis producers choose to use this process, while others do not. The decision to use irradiation is up to the producer, depending on potential contamination in certain batches and their production methods.
However, all products must still undergo strict testing before being sold in order to meet Health Canada requirements.
The impacts of irradiation on humans
Your health is the SQDC’s priority, as well as that of all our producers and our government. Some consumers may have expressed concerns over consuming irradiated products. We explain.
Let’s take a look at the stats in order to better understand. The unit of measurement used to calculate the rays absorbed by an irradiated element is the Gray4. Mrs. Lacroix explains that products irradiated to a dose of 45 kilos or less of Gray will not experience a modification of their chemical composition. Cannabis undergoes less than a quarter of this dose—only 10 kilos of Gray.
In other words, the exposure time and force of the rays are not elevated enough to impact humans in any way. The irradiation of cannabis products is, therefore, not dangerous for your health, no matter the quantity consumed.
In conclusion
Cannabis producers use irradiation for the same reasons agri-food producers do: to destroy potential bacteria, mould, and yeast, and to fight off possible parasite infestations.
Irradiation remains a recognized and effective tool for reducing the microbial load of cannabis and meeting current regulatory requirements. As research progresses, some exploratory studies⁵ suggest that this method could be enhanced by a more holistic approach, from cultivation through to complementary testing methods.
To learn more about the use of irradiation on your cannabis products, don't hesitate to contact our accredited suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
Products
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How can I tell if my cannabis is irradiated?
Some suppliers choose to indicate this on packaging (“irradiated cannabis / non-irradiated cannabis”), but this is not mandatory and varies by producer.
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Are there alternatives to irradiation?
Yes, some complementary approaches exist (cultivation prevention methods, advanced testing, etc.).
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Why is cannabis irradiated?
Irradiation helps eliminate bacteria, mold, yeast, and other contaminants in order to meet strict safety standards in Canada.
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Does irradiated cannabis become radioactive?
No. Irradiation does not make the product radioactive. It is a treatment process, not contamination.
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What are Canadian standards for irradiated cannabis?
Products must meet strict microbial contamination thresholds established by Health Canada before being sold.
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Are all cannabis products irradiated?
No. Irradiation is not systematic and depends on the producer’s practices. Producers may also choose whether or not to indicate it on packaging.
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Does irradiation change THC or CBD?
No. Studies show that cannabinoid levels such as THC and CBD remain stable after irradiation.
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Is irradiated cannabis safe for health?
Yes. Irradiation used in Canada follows regulated thresholds and causes little to no change in the product’s chemical composition. It aims to reduce microbial contaminants without impacting health.
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Does irradiation affect taste or aroma?
It may cause a slight reduction in some terpenes, similar to what is observed during drying or storage.
Other articles you may find interesting
Demystifying Cannabis Moisture Levels
This article explains what the moisture level of a product is, how it’s determined and how we can tell if a product is within the desired range. It also covers why products can dry out and how to prevent that from happening.
Why can cannabinoid concentrations vary for the same product?
Find out why cannabinoid levels can vary from batch to batch for the same product. Learn about the factors that influence these variations.
Why and how to store your cannabis
This article serves as a mini guide filled with simple and efficient ways of storing your cannabis products and protecting the people around you.
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