We previously discussed some benefits and problems surrounding the use of Predatory Fungi like Prestop when growing cannabis– a ‘fight fire with fire’ form of defence against moulds and mildew in the agriculture industry.
If they are sprayed during flowering, the beneficial mould can stick to stems that a bud will eventually grow around – trapping the pesticide deep inside your nugs. Only light will destroy these microorganisms. Once trapped inside a flower no amount of time or flushing will help. You cannot push out or dilute fungus. Producers can dramatically raise the colony-forming units (CFUs) without ever failing any of Health Canada‘s testing, as long as the mould they trap in your cannabis has been “approved.” Despite an obscure allowance, producers simply should not resort to these damaging means simply to increase crop yield, or else it would be the epitome of quantity over quality.
What does residual mould mean for your health?
Several types of moulds are available to Canadian Cannabis growers, some Genetically Modified while others are natural.
Here, we discuss the certified organic spray Prestop.
Its active ingredient, Gliocladium Catenulatum J1446, has been deemed safe for your food in a normal residual quantity. Like all moulds, however, this strain can lead to respiratory, skin, and eye irritation in acute amounts. In sensitive individuals, it can bring on allergic reactions and symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.
Comparatively though, the impact is far more benign than an attack from some unwarranted, carcinogenic fungi that could be invading all sorts of organic material. The amount of Prestop used in normal conditions should not cause adverse symptoms, but that conclusion was made before its approval for Cannabis. Unlike your skin and stomach, our lungs are sensitive and burning the mould has never been studied.
Most fungi will attack plants, reducing their photosynthesis which can damage crop yield. Using a beneficial mould that is known to feed on plants without damaging them can dominate that territory without negative recourse. Other mildew will not survive when forced to compete with this introduced organism. Prestop ultimately allows you to control the plants’ myco-environment.
Unfortunately for those that enjoy black coffee, Prestop is more of a cappuccino.
A blend of additives carry the fungi as it’s applied over the vegetating or even budding plants. This pesticide can contain several mixtures which will always be 40% Gliocadium cells and 20% sucrose. The other 40% can be starch, Kaolin Clay, lignin, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); or possibly, 40% skim milk powder.
I do not mean to put a strong moral under a shadow, but intentionally using milk for cannabis has a bigger concern than manipulating the sentient beings in the dairy industry for medicine and recreation.
Unlike lactic acid, milk allergies may be a cause for concern when any quantity of powdered milk is lathered onto our food or herbs.
These reactions are rare and typically affect children- however, they can occur. Especially considering sensitive medical patients are using those medicinal herbs.
If you demand immediate medical attention, in any case, Health Canada does not have an emergency line. Please contact and use the appropriate emergency services.
In the event of an adverse reaction to legal Canadian cannabis please do follow up with Health Canada.
How to Report Adverse Cannabis Reactions to Health Canada
Reporting adverse reactions associated with the use of cannabis and cannabis products is important in gathering much-needed information about the potential harms of cannabis and cannabis products for medical purposes.
When reporting adverse reactions, please provide as much complete information as possible including the name of the licensed producer, the product brand name, the strain name, and the lot number of the product used in addition to all other information available for input in the adverse reaction reporting form. Providing Health Canada with as much complete information as possible about the adverse reaction will help Health Canada with any follow-ups or actions that may be required.
Any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of cannabis and cannabis products (dried, oils, fresh) for medical purposes should be reported to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following three ways:
1. Report online
2. Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
3. Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:
- Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or
- Mail to:
- Canada Vigilance Program at Health Canada
- Postal Locator 0701D, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
- Canada Vigilance Program at Health Canada
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffect™ Canada Web site.
Medical Enquiries – Health Canada – (613) 957-2983
Things to keep in mind
For all other general complaints use cannabis@canada.ca, as well as the contact line to the Licensed Producer and the provincial cannabis distributor the cannabis originated from.
In the event of a serious adverse reaction, carefully keep all contents of the container. Do not follow through with a recall, do not receive your refund. Collect receipts and record the events and data. Finally, contact a professional legal assistant, such as a reputable pro-cannabis lawyer if the incident is within reason.
Featured image courtesy of Slate.