Mold, Lead, E.Coli And Other Deadly Contaminants Found In 90% Of Illegal Cannabis Samples In UK

As many as 90%of illegal cannabis samples tested in the UK contained contaminants, including mold, yeast, lead, E.coli or salmonella, according to new research. This report combines data from several sources, including laboratory analyses of 60 illegal cannabis samples seized by law enforcement in Greater Manchester and Northumbria, surveys of current cannabis consumers and data from the Welsh Emerging Drugs database (WEDINOS).

The research was conducted by Curaleaf Clinic, owned by Curaleaf International, a subsidiary of the US cannabis giant Curaleaf Holdings CURLF, in collaboration with researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Curaleaf Clinic said the research shows "alarming levels of contamination," and is calling to action, public, healthcare professionals and policymakers.

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Report Highlights

WEDINOS reviewed 33,726 data entries, 1,635 of which were thought to be cannabis by the purchaser. The data revealed that 43% of these 1,635 samples had no naturally derived cannabis compounds, meaning they didn't come from the cannabis plant. Thirty-eight percent contained harmful substances, and 27% contained synthetic chemicals like Spice or K2. These synthetic chemicals are known to cause effects similar to marijuana but pose serious risks to health, such as heart rhythm changes, vomiting, behavior changes and even death.

Curaleaf Clinic also teamed up with Opinium to conduct a consumer survey of 500 cannabis users in the U.K. revealing that up to 35% of users consume marijuana to treat diagnosed medical conditions like anxiety, depression and chronic pain.

The survey further revealed that 23% consume illegal marijuana to manage undiagnosed or self-diagnosed conditions. As many as 35% of respondents buy illegal weed every week and 21% monthly. The studies show 66% are not familiar with the potential health risks.

Read Also: 2 Million Brits Are Self Medicating With Cannabis, The Market Soars 10% Monthly – Will National Health Service Prescriptions Catch Up?

What Are You Smoking?

"It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the hidden dangers in illegal cannabis, especially as so many people are buying it to manage health issues which could be exacerbated by these hazardous substances," said Dr Simon Erridge, research director at the clinic, as reported by Manchester Evening News. "The law changed six years ago so there is a legal, regulated and quality-tested alternative for those suffering with diagnosed chronic illnesses which haven't responded to conventional therapies. Many people are putting themselves at risk, when they don't need to."

While it is possible to access medical marijuana through the NHS, this rarely occurs and only in severe cases of epilepsy, chemotherapy-caused nausea or certain cases of muscle stiffness associated with MS. Since medical marijuana is not widely available via the NHS, many families struggle to afford lifesaving medicine for their children.

A recent study revealed that allowing medical marijuana to be prescribed on the National Health Service (NHS) for chronic pain could save the national healthcare provider nearly £4 billion annually ($5.19 billion). The independent analysis of the economic case for prescribing medical cannabis on the NHS was commissioned by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) and Drug Science.

To help raise awareness around contaminated illegal cannabis, Curaleaf launched a public health campaign called "What Are You Smoking?" with billboards revealing the results of the research. Billboards are displayed on "ad van" and driven through places known as popular drug dealing hot spots. Additionally, Curaleaf placed biodegradable QR code stickers directing people to data revealing the risks of unregulated cannabis.

Price Action

Curaleaf shares closed Friday market session 0.29% higher at $3.41 per share.

Read Next:

• UK Drug Deaths Reach Historic Highs As Advocates Urge Reform, Harm Reduction Policies

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