The purpose of viroid testing specifically is to remove infected plants that will decrease yield. The 30% increase in yield is accomplished over time, rather than immediately, as the goal is for farms to eventually reach a level where the amount of product lost from HLV is as close to 0% as possible. By removing mother plants that are infected, the direct benefit will be reaped in the following cycles as each greenhouse’s efficiency is maximized. Therefore, testing is most effective when performed routinely every 2-3 weeks, to ensure the next cycle of clones is all HLV free, thus leading to an increase in yield.

It should also be noted that HLV decreases trichome production and therefore the potency of the product. This means testing is beneficial for cannabis intended to be made into any cannabis product (extracts, flowers, edibles). If HLV infected plants are used to make concentrates, the concentrate will contain a lower % of THC and other cannabinoids than concentrates made from healthy plants. Therefore, regardless of how the plant is intended to be processed, it is beneficial for anyone who is growing cannabis to be testing for HLV.