Whole genome sequencing of colonies derived from cannabis flowers and the impact of media selection on benchmarking total yeast and mold detection tools.

Background: Cannabis products are subjected to microbial testing for human pathogenic fungi and bacteria. These testing requirements often rely on non-specific colony forming unit (CFU/g) specifications without clarity on which medium, selection or growth times are required. We performed whole genome sequencing to assess the specificity of colony forming units (CFU) derived from three different plating media: Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), PDA with chloramphenicol and Dichloran Rose Bengal with chloramphenicol (DRBC).

Metagenomic analysis of medicinal samples; pathogenic bacteria, toxigenic fungi, and beneficial microbes grow in culture-based yeast and mold tests.

: The presence of bacteria and fungi in medicinal or recreational poses a potential threat to consumers if those microbes include pathogenic or toxigenic species. This study evaluated two widely used culture-based platforms for total yeast and mold (TYM) testing marketed by 3M Corporation and Biomérieux, in comparison with a quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach marketed by Medicinal Genomics Corporation. : A set of 15 medicinal samples were analyzed using 3M and Biomérieux culture-based platforms and by qPCR to quantify microbial DNA.

Cannabis microbiome sequencing reveals several mycotoxic fungi native to dispensary grade Cannabis flowers.

The Center for Disease Control estimates 128,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized annually due to food borne illnesses.