Michigan’s ‘Croptober’: Boom harvest meets remediation controversy

Across rural Michigan this month, cannabis growers of all sizes — from large-scale corporate operations to small, independent cultivators — are preparing to harvest their outdoor crops. This annual harvest season, often referred to as “Croptober” by industry insiders, will see a surge of fresh cannabis enter the state’s legal market.

Many speculate this year’s harvest will be another strong one for the legal industry, with savvy cultivators reporting success thanks to dialed-in growing processes and hearty genetics suited to Michigan’s challenging outdoor climate. However, a controversial process known as remediation plays a significant role in ensuring a successful harvest for many cultivators, both outdoor and indoor.

Cannabis remediation encompasses a variety of methods used by growers to ensure their product passes state-mandated testing requirements for contaminants like mold and pests. Since successful cannabis cultivation hinges on precise environmental control, outdoor cultivation presents inherent challenges. To address these challenges, many operators utilize methods like ozone treatment, heat treatment or irradiation to salvage flower that fails initial testing. Remediation can also be done preemptively if a grower suspects a crop might fail or even routinely on all crops.

As the legal cannabis industry has grown, so has the use of remediation technology. Cultivators have significant financial investments on the line with each harvest, and a failed crop is simply not an option for most. Additionally, there are no regulations requiring cannabis operators to disclose whether their products have undergone remediation.

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency has proposed amending the state’s cannabis industry regulations to address this transparency issue. These proposals are under review by legal and legislative liaisons.

Patient and consumer advocates have been vocal in urging the CRA to address remediation transparency, arguing that consumers have the right to know if their cannabis products have undergone remediation. Critics argue that remediation only kills live contaminants, leaving behind dead mold or pests that could be harmful to consumers, particularly those with compromised immune systems. It also may not kill all the contaminants, causing them to eventually reappear. Purists highlight the potential for methods like irradiation and ozone treatment to diminish a flower’s terpene profile, impacting its aroma and flavor. While some call for an outright ban on the practice, most acknowledge this is unlikely due to consumer demand for affordable flower and producers’ need to mitigate financial risks.

Not all companies utilize remediation. A movement in the craft cannabis industry is promoting marketing and outreach strategies that highlight the absence of remediation in products. Businesses like MJ Verdant, based in Muskegon, have launched consumer education campaigns to inform customers about the practice and their commitment to avoiding it. Certified Remediation Free, the first business of its kind, conducts independent verification and certification for companies that refrain from using remediation. This allows certified cultivators to market their products as “remediation-free,” providing consumers with an additional layer of transparency.

Many Michigan cannabis operators see a potential benefit in mandatory remediation transparency labeling. While price will likely remain a key consideration for consumers, a label indicating a product is remediation-free could offer a valuable distinction in the crowded market. Regardless of future regulations, consumers should inquire about retailers’ and brands’ stances on remediation when making purchases. Ultimately, informed consumer choices can drive real change within the industry.