Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog on December 13, 2024
A recent white paper published by Curaleaf Clinic in the United Kingdom (UK) highlights the problem of mold in marijuana found in illicit products. In addition to mold, other contaminants like chemical residues, heavy metals, yeasts, and harmful bacteria were observed in laboratory tests.
Despite the shift from prohibition to responsible, legal regulation along with many legal options to obtain these products, illicit cannabis products remains a significant concern.
These unregulated products may cause more harm than good, particularly for those seeking medical use for health issues that may already have a weakened immune system.
Here’s what we know about mold in marijuana and other contaminants found in an illicit cannabis products study from the UK.
Curaleaf Clinic, with a presence in Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is a private medical marijuana clinic and dispensary.
In an effort to present the health risks observed in clinical patients from illicit cannabis products like mold in marijuana and chemicals in cannabis products, they collaborated with Manchester Metropolitan University to assess the situation.
In their report, “The Hidden Dangers of Illicit Cannabis,” significant health risks were uncovered.
But how many people use these products?
Since we were are talking about a UK study, let’s first look at the UK statistics.
Reports indicate that an estimated 1.8 million people in the UK use illicit cannabis products for health reasons. When you add those using these products for recreational use, this statistic grows even more.
In fact, the Office of Health and Statistics estimates that 7.8% of UK adults aged 16 to 59 (amounting to around 2.6 million people) consumed cannabis products in the past year.
How about in the United States?
Since the 2018 Farm Act legalized the cultivation of hemp, use in the United States has made a marked increase. Gallup data from 2023 and 2024 indicated that 15% of Americans reported that they smoke marijuana. Only an increase of 1% over the previous 2021 to 2022 period. Another 2019 Gallup poll showed that one in seven Americans used cannabidiol- (CBD-) based products.
As with any product made outside of a regulatory situation, illicit cannabis products may contain harmful substances that could negate the beneficial aspects previous studies have found in these products.
Or worse.
Create new problems.
There several different risks associated with cannabis products. Many are naturally occurring, while others are man-made. Regulated cannabis products require rigorous testing and safety protocols. Actions that help produce a safer product.
The study, conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University, analyzed samples obtained from illegal cannabis seized by law enforcement across Greater Manchester and Northumbria, UK over a six month period. Overall, 60 samples were analyzed through various laboratory tests (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and microbial assessments).
Like just about any other crop, cannabis plants are susceptible to fungal and bacteria contamination. Fungal growth is a particularly common occurrence, especially when the product is not stored properly.
While some of these microbes are beneficial to the plant and harmless to humans, others can cause serious infections if inhaled or ingested. As a result, there have been many reported cases of respiratory complications linked back to illicit cannabis products.
The study found Salmonella and E. coli bacteria in 3% of the samples acquired from Northumbria.
Fungal contamination was in most of the samples from both jurisdictions. In fact, 90% of products from both Manchester and Northumbria were positive for mold in marijuana and other cannabis products.
As an agricultural crop, cannabis is susceptible to pests and diseases. Pesticides, even those considered safe for food on food crops, have a unique concern.
Most food safe pesticides have not been evaluated for safety when treated like marijuana and cannabis products are consumed. Just because it is safe to eat, does not mean it is safe once combusted and inhaled.
In fact, many pesticides break down into harmful compounds once heated. Respiratory issues, headaches, nausea, and long-term health problems are serious concerns from inhaling these combusted products.
Regulated, medical-grade cannabis is required to be grown in compliance with good agricultural and collecting practices. This includes testing for the presence of common pesticides.
Cannabis plants have a tendency to absorb and concentrate heavy metals from the environment. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can accumulate in the leaves and flowers.
These heavy metals can cause acute poisoning in addition to chronic conditions like cancer, kidney damage, or neurological disorders.
The study found lead in 3% of the Northumbria samples and 13% of the Manchester samples. Based on established allowable exposure of lead from cannabis-based medicinal products regulated by the International Council for Harmonisation elemental impurities standards, 10% of the samples from Greater Manchester would exceed the limit for lead.
Other metals, such as iron, manganese, and zinc were also present. Just not at “harmful” levels.
If organic cannabis offers serious risk, you may be wondering if synthetic options are any safer.
When it comes to illicit cannabis products produced outside of regulatory standards, there is still a significant risk with synthetic options.
Synthetic cannabinoids, or man-made chemicals meant to mimic natural cannabinoids, like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have unique risk factors.
They can be higher in potency and produce unpredictable side effects.
Common side effects include arrhythmias, behavior changes, vomiting, or even death.
Outside of regulation and standardization, the consumer may not understand the product they are taking or understand the serious risks associated with these synthetic compounds. Concentrations of key compounds may also be unpredictable.
Regulated, medical grade cannabis is safer. Especially for the more vulnerable populations.
Those with certain health conditions or taking medications that may weaken or compromise the immune system are most vulnerable to potential risks of fungus, bacteria, chemicals, and mold in marijuana and other cannabis products.
According to Curaleaf, to be considered medical grade, cannabis products must meet Good Agriculturaland Collection Practice (GACP) and finished products must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Each batch must be tested and be compliant with recognized standards for microbials, heavy metal, pesticides, and other harmful contaminants.
If you already have serious health conditions, why add more potential risk to your situation. Opt for tested, regulated products instead.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “UK Study Finds Mold in Marijuana Along with Other Harmful Contaminants,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)