Two of the primary types of mycotoxins that are associated with cannabis are aflatoxins and ochratoxins.  Ochratoxins are very similar to aflatoxins- but one of the most potent mycotoxin.  The most common aflatoxins are: aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2 and aflatoxin M1.  Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by certain fungi in/on foods and feeds the FDA  has set a limit is 20ppb for direct exposure (human).  Aflatoxins are produced primarily by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aspergillus flavus fungal species that suppress the immune system, mutate DNA, cause liver cancer and can cross the placenta.   All these harmful medical conditions make testing for mycotoxins extremely critical particularly botanical  flower material.

Next Topic will discuss how mycotoxins/aflatoxins identified and quantitated Hint ELISA, LCMSMS??