Curaleaf Urges UK Government to Crack Down on Thriving Illicit Cannabis Market

## Curaleaf Calls for UK Action on Thriving Illicit Cannabis Market

Curaleaf International

, a subsidiary of US cannabis giant

Curaleaf Holdings (CURLF)

, is sounding the alarm on the booming online illicit cannabis market in the UK. In a new report, Curaleaf reveals a staggering 50% surge in illicit online cannabis sales over the past two years, with open web retailers seeing a 67% increase. This alarming trend has prompted the company to urge the British government to take immediate action.

Boris Jordan

, Chairman and CEO of Curaleaf, highlights the serious health risks posed by this unregulated market. “The findings in this new report echo our concerns across the globe, and highlight serious risks to patients in the UK,” stated Jordan. “Similar testing done previously in the US found contaminated products in illegal dispensaries, and this is an issue that weighs on all of us in the industry. Without controlled and legal access to tested, regulated cannabis, patients and consumers are left vulnerable to extreme health risks. Lawmakers around the world must act now to enforce laws against the illicit market and widen access to legal, regulated cannabis products.”

The Danger of Contamination

Developed in partnership with

Manchester Metropolitan University

, Curaleaf’s report uncovers the alarming reality of contaminated illegal cannabis. The study found that illegal cannabis often contains dangerous substances such as mold, lead, and synthetic cannabinoids, posing severe health risks to the 1.8 million people in the UK who use cannabis for self-treatment. This unregulated market not only endangers public health but also undermines the legitimate medical marijuana industry, which adheres to strict quality and safety standards.

Misconceptions and the Need for Education

Despite the inherent dangers of illegal cannabis, including respiratory issues, neurological damage, and increased risk of infection, a shocking 17% of cannabis consumers mistakenly believe it’s safer than regulated medical cannabis or are unaware of the difference. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for public education to combat the illicit market and protect consumers.

Improving Patient Access: A Vital Solution

According to the report, as much as 73% of consumers are buying illegal cannabis to seek relief from health conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety – many of whom could be eligible for legally prescribed medical cannabis. However, accessing medical marijuana through the NHS is rare, occurring only in severe cases of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, or specific cases of muscle stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis. The lack of readily available medical marijuana through the NHS creates a significant financial burden for families struggling to afford life-saving medicine for their children.

The Economic Impact

New research commissioned by the

Cannabis Industry Council (CIC)

and

Drug Science

reveals that legalizing medical marijuana prescription for chronic pain on the NHS could potentially save the national healthcare provider nearly £4 billion annually ($5.19 billion). This underscores the potential economic benefits of a regulated medical cannabis market.

Curaleaf’s Advocacy for Reform

Curaleaf International advocates for a comprehensive reform strategy that includes:

* Tightened regulation of illegal channels
* Public awareness initiatives
* Policy changes to improve patient access to medicine
* Expanded research into medical marijuana

Juan Martinez

, Head of Curaleaf International, emphasizes the urgent need for action: “While the online market for illicit cannabis is growing year on year and remains completely unregulated, the UK already has a legal medical cannabis market in place, which adheres to rigorous safety and quality standards. Our research has found alarmingly high levels of contamination in illegal cannabis, putting consumers’ health at serious risk. If the UK government is truly committed to safeguarding public health and supporting legitimate businesses, it must do more to improve patient access to regulated medical cannabis and enforce stricter regulations on illegal sales. This includes educating the public on the benefits of regulated cannabis products and enhanced policing of internet search engines and service providers. By curbing the illicit market and expanding access to legal, regulated options, we can better protect vulnerable individuals and dismantle illegal operations.”

Curaleaf’s Call to Action

Curaleaf’s urgent call for action highlights the pressing need for the UK government to address the growing illicit cannabis market and prioritize public health. By taking concrete steps to regulate the market, educate consumers, and improve access to legal medical cannabis, the UK can create a safer and more responsible cannabis environment for all.