Microbial Testing for New York Cannabis
Rapid qPCR analysis for pathogens and total counts for New York’s compliance framework.
What Microbial Testing Covers
Microbial testing evaluates whether harmful microorganisms are present at levels that pose health risks. Cannabis grows in warm, moist environments that are perfect conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Detecting and quantifying these organisms is essential for consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
We screen for:
Pathogenic Bacteria
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Salmonella species
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Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (O157:H7 and non-O157 serogroups)
Pathogenic Fungi
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Aspergillus fumigatus
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Aspergillus flavus
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Aspergillus niger
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Aspergillus terreus
Microbial Load Assessments
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Total yeast and mold
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Total aerobic bacteria
These organisms can cause serious health issues, particularly when inhaled. New York prohibits any detectable amount of pathogenic Aspergillus, E. coli, or Salmonella in commercial cannabis products.
How We Test: qPCR Precision
All microbial samples are analyzed using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), the industry standard for rapid and accurate microbial detection.
Why qPCR?
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Detects DNA of harmful microorganisms with high specificity
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Identifies pathogens even at extremely low levels
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Delivers results significantly faster than culture-based assays
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Reduces false negatives on low-level contamination
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Fully validated for New York’s cannabis testing framework
qPCR ensures your microbial results are reliable, repeatable, and accepted under OCM compliance rules.
Sample Sizes Needed
To ensure accurate, representative testing, submit:
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Flower: 5–6 grams
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Concentrate or Extract: 5–6 grams
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Infused Products: 5–6 grams
For large batches, multiple representative samples are encouraged.
NY Compliance Overview & Safety Thresholds
New York’s regulations require that:
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No pathogenic Aspergillus, E. coli, or Salmonella may be present in any cannabis product.
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Yeast, mold, and aerobic counts must fall within category-specific limits depending on product type.
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Any batch that fails microbial testing must be quarantined until remediated or destroyed as per OCM guidelines.
Our results clearly indicate PASS/FAIL against all New York action limits, making retail intake and compliance documentation seamless for your team.
Why DRS Testing for Potency
NY-Specific Expertise
We align microbial screening with New York’s required safety thresholds, batch reporting format, and regulatory expectations.
Batch Risk Consultation
We explain microbial risks in plain language, help diagnose contamination sources, and guide remediation steps when needed.
High-Sensitivity qPCR Detection
Fast, accurate identification of regulated pathogens without waiting days for culture results.
Fast Turnaround Times
You get results quickly so your production schedule stays on track and batches move smoothly into retail compliance.
Clear COA for Retail Intake
Our reports are formatted for dispensary and distributor requirements, including QR-ready data and clear PASS/FAIL indicators.
Regulatory-Backed Guidance for Every Batch
We help you understand what New York’s OCM expects at each step. Our team reviews your data in context, flags potential risks early, and provides proactive compliance guidance.
Ready to submit samples?
Submit your cannabis samples today or speak with our lab team for guidance on profiling, consistency tracking, or product differentiation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microbial Testing
What regulations govern microbial testing in New York?
New York’s OCM requires all inhalable and ingestible cannabis to be free of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Total yeast, mold, and aerobic plate counts must stay within product-specific limits. A failed microbial result makes a batch unsellable until remediated and retested.
What products require microbial testing?
Flower, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, edibles, beverages, capsules, and topicals, and all adult-use and medical cannabis forms must pass microbial safety testing.
Can microbial failures be remediated?
Some products can be remediated depending on the type of contamination (e.g., reprocessing extracts). Pathogenic fungal contamination in flowers (Aspergillus) typically cannot be remediated and often requires disposal.
How quickly can I get results?
Our qPCR platform allows rapid turnaround, which is significantly faster than traditional culture-based methods.
Do you provide consultation?
Yes. We help interpret microbial findings, explain compliance requirements, and advise on environmental or process controls to reduce future risks.