‘Dangerous’ amounts of mold, lead, E. coli and salmonella found in street marijuana

“Dangerous” levels of mould, yeast, lead, E. coli and salmonella have been found in street cannabis in the UK.

Researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University, together with the Curaleaf Clinic, analyzed 60 samples confiscated by police in Greater Manchester and Northumbria.

And 90 percent of what was tested was contaminated with mold and yeast, eight percent with lead, and two percent with salmonella and E. coli.

Health experts warn that it could cause respiratory problems, neurological damage and gastrointestinal infections in users.

Other independent tests also detected highly dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, including Spice and K2, in 27 percent of the samples.

The results were revealed after a study of 500 users of the drug commissioned by medical cannabis clinic Curaleaf Clinic (found that 58 percent of illegal cannabis is purchased by those trying to manage medical conditions).

These include anxiety (49 percent), depression (49 percent) and chronic pain (28 percent).

More than one in 10 (11 percent) have used the dark web, online retailers and even QR code stickers left by distributors to obtain the substance.

Meanwhile, a separate study of 2,000 adults found that only 46 percent know that medicinal cannabis is legal and available by specialist prescription.

Dr Simon Erridge, research director at the clinic, said: “It is crucial that consumers are aware of the hidden dangers of illegal cannabis, especially as so many people buy it to manage health problems that could be exacerbated by these dangerous substances. .

“The law changed six years ago so there is a legal, regulated and quality-tested alternative for those suffering from diagnosed chronic diseases that have not responded to conventional therapies.

“Many people put themselves at risk when they don’t have to.”

Despite the risks, 18 percent of illegal cannabis users are unaware that the products they purchase may contain dangerous contaminants.

And 66 percent can’t recognize mold-contaminated cannabis.

To raise awareness about the dangers of illegally sourced cannabis, Curaleaf has launched a public health campaign, What Are You Smoking?, aimed at engaging those most at risk.

Billboards revealing the results of the study have been placed at known drug trafficking hotspots based on data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

So far, a ‘publicity van’ carrying the posters has traveled to venues in Tower Hamlets and Lambeth in London, and will also head to Manchester Piccadilly and Merseyside.

Biodegradable QR code stickers are also being placed at hotspots, reflecting the tactics used by street vendors, directing people to vital information about the dangers of unregulated cannabis.

Dr Oliver Sutcliffe, Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “We hope to provide valuable information to help consumers make safer decisions.

“Our findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of surveillance and education to protect public health.”