A chilling new study has uncovered the hidden dangers lurking within the UK’s illegal cannabis market. Researchers, working in collaboration with Curaleaf Clinic and Manchester Metropolitan University, found that a staggering 90% of illegal cannabis samples tested contained harmful contaminants, including mold, yeast, lead, E. coli, and salmonella. This alarming revelation underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, accessibility to safe medical alternatives, and policy reform.
The research, which combined data from multiple sources, including laboratory analyses of seized samples, consumer surveys, and the Welsh Emerging Drugs database (WEDINOS), paints a stark picture of the risks associated with unregulated cannabis. WEDINOS’ analysis of over 33,000 data entries revealed that a concerning 43% of samples labelled as cannabis didn’t actually contain naturally derived cannabis compounds. Instead, they contained harmful substances (38%) or synthetic chemicals like Spice and K2 (27%). These synthetics are known to mimic the effects of marijuana but carry serious health risks, including heart rhythm changes, vomiting, behavioural changes, and even death.
Further complicating the situation, a consumer survey conducted by Curaleaf Clinic and Opinium found that 35% of cannabis users in the UK consume marijuana to treat diagnosed medical conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. An additional 23% reported using illegal cannabis to manage undiagnosed or self-diagnosed conditions. The study also highlighted a concerning lack of awareness, with 66% of respondents unfamiliar with the potential health risks associated with contaminated cannabis.
These findings have prompted Curaleaf Clinic to call for urgent action from the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Dr. Simon Erridge, research director at the clinic, emphasized the importance of awareness, stating, “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.” He further pointed out the availability of a legal, regulated, and quality-tested alternative for those with diagnosed chronic illnesses that have not responded to conventional therapies. “Many people are putting themselves at risk when they don’t need to.”
While access to medical marijuana through the NHS is possible, it remains limited and only available in severe cases of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, or certain cases of muscle stiffness associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The lack of widespread access to medical cannabis via the NHS leaves many families struggling to afford life-saving medicine for their children. A recent study commissioned by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) and Drug Science found that allowing medical marijuana to be prescribed on the NHS for chronic pain could save the national healthcare provider nearly £4 billion ($5.19 billion) annually.
In a bid to raise awareness about contaminated cannabis, Curaleaf launched a public health campaign called “What Are You Smoking?” This campaign features billboards displaying the research findings in areas known for drug dealing. Additionally, Curaleaf has placed biodegradable QR code stickers directing people to data revealing the risks of unregulated cannabis. The campaign aims to educate consumers about the dangers of illegal cannabis and empower them to make informed choices about their health.
The research underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to cannabis policy in the UK, one that prioritizes public health, ensures access to safe and regulated medical cannabis, and addresses the underlying issues driving individuals to seek out unregulated alternatives. With growing public support for cannabis reform, the time for meaningful change is now.
