As the cannabis industry continues to expand across the United States, the interest in using ozone for various applications in both the growing and processing of cannabis is on the rise. Ozone offers numerous benefits, from irrigation water treatment to odor control and surface sanitation. However, there are also myths and misunderstandings about its use. This guide aims to clarify the practical applications of ozone in the cannabis industry and dispel common myths.
Irrigation Water Treatment
Cannabis cultivation, whether indoor, outdoor, hydroponic, or other methods, requires clean and pure irrigation water free of pathogenic bacteria. Ozone can be used to treat well water and other incoming water sources to remove harmful minerals and pathogens. Additionally, ozone can increase dissolved oxygen levels in the water, benefiting irrigation systems.
Why Ozone for Water Treatment?
- Efficiency: Ozone is highly soluble in water and reverts to oxygen, naturally increasing dissolved oxygen levels.
- Versatility: Ozone systems for water treatment in cannabis can utilize the same technologies as those in agriculture and drinking water applications, requiring no major changes.
- Safety: Properly implemented ozone systems ensure water is safe and beneficial for plant growth.
Surface Sanitation
Ozone dissolved in water can be an effective sanitizer for rooms, equipment, and even plants. It increases the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the water, effectively killing pathogens on contact. This application is well-established in the food processing industry and can be directly applied to cannabis cultivation and processing.
Dual Functionality
Some ozone systems can treat both incoming irrigation water and provide higher dissolved ozone levels for surface sanitation. These systems use separate ozone mixing setups to manage different water streams effectively.
- Safety Considerations: While ozone in water is safe, improper implementation can lead to ozone off-gassing, which can be harmful. Ensuring proper operation is critical.
Odor Control
One of the oldest and most common uses of ozone in the cannabis industry is odor control. Ozone is highly effective at reducing organic odors, making it ideal for use in air exhaust systems to eliminate offensive odors during the growing, cultivation, and processing stages.
Cannabis Disinfection
The final cannabis product must meet stringent mold and bacteria standards. Ozone can disinfect the final product to meet these regulatory requirements, ensuring safety and quality for consumers.
Room Disinfection
Ozone gas can be used to inactivate pathogens in empty rooms, ensuring all surfaces are sanitized before starting a new crop or processing batch. Ozone monitors control the gas levels, making sure the room is safe for re-entry once disinfection is complete.
Example of an Ozone System for Cannabis Applications
Comprehensive Ozone System
Below is an example of an ozone system that can handle both water treatment and surface sanitation:
- 30-Gallon Contact Tank: Treats high water flow rates with low ozone dosages for effective disinfection.
- Ozone Mixing Tank: Provides lower water flow rates with high dissolved ozone levels for surface sanitation.
Custom OST Ozone System with 2 separate ozone injection loops.
Ozone Injection System
This system dissolves ozone into water and includes gas outlets for room disinfection and odor control. An HMI touchscreen panel offers precise control over ozone outputs via timers and monitors.
OST-Series Ozone System with gas valve options.
System Configuration Diagram
This diagram illustrates how an ozone system can be tailored for various applications in the cannabis industry:
- Ozone Production: Via oxygen under pressure, controlled to specific rooms with ozone monitors ensuring appropriate levels.
- Ozone Injection: Into water using a venturi injector for sanitation or UV light to revert ozone back to oxygen for irrigation.
- Ozone Destruct Unit: Converts off-gassed ozone safely back to oxygen.
Conclusion
The potential uses of ozone in the cannabis industry are vast, from water treatment and surface sanitation to odor control and disinfection. While there is some misinformation about its use, the benefits of ozone are clear when implemented correctly. For personalized advice and to learn how ozone can benefit your facility, contact our application engineers. We’re here to help you leverage ozone technology to enhance your cannabis cultivation and processing operations.
You can find more information here: https://www.oxidationtech.com/applications/cannabis.html