‘Dangerous’ Contaminants Found in UK Street Cannabis: Health Risks for Users

A recent study conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University in collaboration with Curaleaf Clinic has revealed alarming levels of dangerous contaminants in street-sold cannabis in the UK. The analysis, performed on 60 cannabis samples seized by police in Greater Manchester and Northumbria, uncovered that 90% of the samples contained mold or yeast, while 8% were found to contain toxic levels of lead, and 2% tested positive for harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.

Health experts warn that such contaminants pose severe health risks for users, ranging from respiratory issues and neurological damage to gastrointestinal infections. The findings underscore the potential dangers of purchasing unregulated cannabis, particularly for those who rely on it to manage health conditions.

Synthetic Cannabinoids Add to the Risk

In addition to physical contaminants, the study also detected synthetic cannabinoids, including dangerous substances like Spice and K2, in 27% of the samples. These synthetic compounds, notorious for their unpredictable and potent effects, have been linked to severe side effects, including agitation, hallucinations, and in extreme cases, seizures and death. The presence of these synthetic cannabinoids in street cannabis further elevates the health risks, especially for individuals unaware of the contaminants in their purchase.

The results of this research come at a time when nearly 58% of those buying illegal cannabis in the UK are using it to manage medical conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. These individuals, many of whom have struggled to find relief through conventional therapies, are often unaware of the contaminants in street-sold cannabis, putting themselves at further risk.

Health Risks and Public Safety Concerns

Experts warn that the contaminants identified in street cannabis carry significant health implications. Mold and yeast can cause respiratory issues, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. Lead contamination is known to cause neurological damage, especially with prolonged exposure, while salmonella and E. coli can lead to severe gastrointestinal problems. Dr. Simon Erridge, research director at Curaleaf Clinic, emphasizes the urgent need for awareness around these risks.

“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,” Dr. Erridge said. “The law changed six years ago so there is a legal, regulated, and quality-tested alternative for those suffering from chronic illnesses which haven’t responded to conventional therapies. Many people are putting themselves at risk when they don’t need to.”

The study highlights the lack of awareness among users, with 18% of illegal cannabis consumers unaware of the potential contaminants, and 66% unable to recognize mold-contaminated cannabis. This knowledge gap leaves a large portion of the population vulnerable to the harmful effects of contaminated cannabis.

The Demand for Medical Cannabis and Accessibility Issues

The study commissioned by Curaleaf Clinic surveyed 500 illegal cannabis users and found that 58% of them were using it to manage health conditions like anxiety (49%), depression (49%), and chronic pain (28%). These figures point to a demand for cannabis as an alternative treatment option, particularly among individuals who have not found relief with traditional medications.

Despite medical cannabis being legalized in the UK six years ago, public awareness remains low. A separate survey of 2,000 adults revealed that only 46% of the population is aware that medical cannabis is legally available on prescription. This knowledge gap means that many individuals who could benefit from legal medical cannabis remain unaware of it as an option, often turning to unregulated sources with potentially harmful contaminants.

Curaleaf’s “What Are You Smoking?” Campaign

In response to these findings, Curaleaf Clinic has launched a public health campaign called “What Are You Smoking?” aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of unregulated cannabis. The campaign features billboards displaying the study’s results and has been strategically placed in known drug-dealing hotspots across London, Manchester, and Merseyside. These efforts aim to reach those most at risk and inform them about the potential health hazards associated with street-sold cannabis.

Curaleaf has also employed innovative tactics mirroring those used by dealers, including biodegradable QR code stickers that lead to educational resources on the risks of illegal cannabis. The campaign hopes to encourage individuals using cannabis for health issues to consider legal alternatives that are regulated and tested for safety.

Contaminated Cannabis and the Dark Web

As access to illegal cannabis has diversified, a portion of users has turned to the dark web and online marketplaces to purchase cannabis. Approximately 11% of illegal cannabis users in the UK report using these online sources, as well as other discreet methods like QR code stickers left by dealers. However, cannabis purchased online or through less traditional means is subject to the same risks as street-sold cannabis, with no regulation or testing to ensure safety.

The ease of access to illegal cannabis online has raised concerns among health experts, particularly given the findings of contaminants in street cannabis. Dr. Erridge and others hope that by raising awareness, they can reduce the demand for dangerous, unregulated cannabis.

Calls for Stricter Regulation and Better Public Awareness

The study’s findings have prompted calls for stronger regulations and more accessible information on medical cannabis options. Advocates argue that more needs to be done to educate the public about the legal avenues for obtaining cannabis, particularly for individuals using it to manage chronic conditions. Public health officials emphasize that medical cannabis, when legally prescribed and regulated, is subject to quality and safety checks that unregulated sources do not provide.

A clearer understanding of medical cannabis availability could reduce the demand for illegal sources, ultimately leading to fewer cases of exposure to harmful contaminants. Additionally, calls for stricter regulation on synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2 underscore the need for continued vigilance around the quality and safety of cannabis products.

Moving Forward: Ensuring Safe Access to Medical Cannabis

As the UK’s medical cannabis landscape evolves, advocates are pushing for improved public awareness campaigns, particularly around the differences between street-sold and medically prescribed cannabis. Dr. Erridge believes that increased education and outreach efforts are crucial for protecting public health, particularly for vulnerable populations using cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

“For those suffering from diagnosed chronic illnesses that haven’t responded to conventional therapies, legal medical cannabis provides a safe and tested alternative,” he said. “More people need to be aware of the legal options available to them to avoid the risks associated with unregulated sources.”

Curaleaf Clinic’s “What Are You Smoking?” campaign represents a proactive effort to reach individuals currently purchasing cannabis from unregulated sources, encouraging them to consider safer alternatives. Public health experts and medical professionals alike hope that initiatives like these will ultimately reduce the number of individuals exposed to harmful contaminants and create a more informed cannabis-using population.

The findings from this study reveal serious public health risks associated with illegal cannabis use in the UK, underscoring the need for awareness and education on the dangers of unregulated cannabis. With a significant portion of users turning to cannabis for medical purposes, ensuring access to safe, regulated alternatives is more important than ever. Curaleaf Clinic’s campaign, along with ongoing efforts by researchers and public health advocates, seeks to protect individuals from the hazards of street-sold cannabis while highlighting the benefits of legally prescribed options.