The Economics of Cannabis Pathogen Testing: Protecting Your Investment

Explore the financial impact of three different approaches to pathogen testing and how each option influences the success and reputation of your cultivation business

In the cannabis industry, pathogen testing is a critical component of a successful cultivation strategy. Just as property insurance protects physical assets, pathogen testing safeguards against potential biological threats. For cannabis cultivators implementing a pathogen testing regimen can prevent disease, safeguard your investment, ensure final product integrity, and brand reputation. Let's explore three scenarios for cannabis cultivators: not testing for pathogens, using accurate testing services, and relying on inaccurate testing services.

The Cost of Not Testing

Imagine running a cannabis cultivation operation without any pathogen testing. Pathogens like powdery mildew, botrytis, pythium, and fusarium are common and can easily devastate a crop if not detected early. 

(1)

Data shows that the occurrence of these pathogens can affect a significant portion of the industry, resulting in substantial financial losses. For instance, a study highlighted that 20% of cannabis crops in the US are affected by flower‐infecting pathogens like powdery mildew(2). 

Preventative testing, a standard practice in general agriculture, particularly in nursery operations, has been shown to yield a 10X return on investment in clean stock programs(3). While cannabis cultivation has its unique challenges, adopting preventative measures can provide substantial economic benefits. The cost of not testing can result in the immediate loss of infected plants and have long-term effects on yield, product quality, loss of strain diversity, and supply chain reliability.

The Value of Accurate Pathogen Testing

Proactive pathogen testing is a critical investment for any serious cannabis cultivator. Let's consider a generic example. Testing a mother plant for pathogens costs around $40. This mother plant can produce approximately 20 - 60 clones in its lifetime, yielding between 5 and 15 pounds of product. With the average price per pound in the USA hovering around $1,000, each mother plant can generate between $5,000 and $15,000 in revenue. Spending $40 to ensure the health and productivity of a plant that can generate $15,000 is a clear choice. This minimal investment can prevent significant losses and ensure the stability of your operation.

Accurate pathogen testing offers numerous benefits:

• Increased Efficiency: Regular testing allows you to catch and address issues early, avoiding costly disruptions to your operations.

• Data Collection: Consistent testing provides valuable data that can help refine cultivation processes, leading to incremental improvements.

• Reduced Economic Loss: By preventing disease outbreaks, you protect your plants and your bottom line.

• Supply Chain Security and Brand Reputation: Ensuring that your products are free from pathogens maintains the trust of your downstream customers and protects your brand.

The Risks of Inaccurate Testing

Relying on inaccurate pathogen testing services is just as detrimental as not testing at all. False negatives can provide a false sense of security, allowing pathogens to spread unchecked. False positives can lead to the unnecessary culling of healthy plants, wasting resources, and reducing overall yield and revenue. Inaccurate testing undermines the very goals of pathogen management, leading to operational inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential damage to your brand's reputation.

Proactive Pathogen Testing Saves Money and Reduces Risk

Proactive pathogen testing is an investment that pays for itself many times over. By ensuring the health of your plants, you protect your immediate revenue and the long-term viability of your operation. Implementing regular sanitation measures and testing schedules can keep pathogen infections manageable, preserving your product's integrity and your customers' trust.

For cannabis cultivators, the message is simple: investing in accurate, proactive pathogen testing is a smart, economical choice that enhances productivity, reduces risk for all parties, and ultimately, protects your bottom line.

---

About TUMI Genomics

TUMI Genomics is advancing cannabis cultivation by bringing biological insights to help commercial growers thrive. Through comprehensive preventative solutions, superior pathogen diagnostics, and AI-driven insights, TUMI Genomics is helping cultivators start clean and stay clean. The unrivaled diagnostics, transparent validation and industry-leading pathogen detection innovations provided by TUMI Genomics are raising the standards of commercial cannabis cultivation. The team at TUMI Genomics is composed of deeply experienced Ph.D. molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, business strategists, and accomplished serial entrepreneurs.

Media Contact: Hailey Spencer, Marketing Director

hailey@tumigenomics.com

Research Inquiries: Tassa Saldi, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CSO

tassa@tumigenomics.com