Cleaning Up the Cannabis Industry
What's in Your Weed?
The legalisation of cannabis has provided an opportunity to set higher standards for the industry, but challenges remain, particularly when it comes to illicit cannabis. A recent report from Canada highlights alarming issues with illicit cannabis products, including excessive levels of pesticides and other harmful contaminants. This serves as a critical reminder for consumers and policymakers alike: we need to clean up the cannabis industry and ensure that only safe, regulated products reach the market.
The Problem with Illicit Cannabis
A study conducted by the British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in collaboration with Health Canada, revealed staggering figures on contamination in illicit cannabis. The testing, carried out by National Research Council laboratories, found:
100% of samples contained unapproved levels of pesticides.
85% tested positive for multiple pesticides.
One sample contained over 1,000 parts per billion (ppb) of myclobutanil, a chemical that can turn into toxic hydrogen cyanide when heated. For reference, Health Canada’s maximum allowable limit for myclobutanil in cannabis is just 0.01 ppb.
Several samples contained banned pesticides, such as carbamate and organophosphates, which are known neurotoxins.
Additionally, many samples harboured dangerous levels of mould, fungi, and heavy metals, with some containing lead and cadmium levels 50 times higher than the legal limit.
Lessons for the UK
If this is happening in Canada—a country where recreational cannabis is legal and regulated—the risks for the UK are even more pronounced. With recreational cannabis still illegal, the UK is seeing a rise in illicit imports from organised crime gangs, particularly from Eastern Europe. These products, like the Canadian samples, are likely to contain high levels of harmful contaminants.
The UK needs to learn from Canada's experience and take proactive measures to combat the illicit market:
Strengthen Border Controls
Organised crime groups are smuggling large quantities of cannabis into the UK, bypassing any form of quality control. Increasing border security and improving detection technology can help stem the flow of these unsafe products.
Educate Consumers
Many users are unaware of the risks associated with illicit cannabis. Public awareness campaigns can highlight the dangers, including the potential for toxic pesticides, heavy metals, and mould.
Develop a Regulatory Framework
By establishing a legal and well-regulated cannabis market, the UK can ensure that products are rigorously tested for safety and quality, cutting off the demand for unsafe illicit products.
Enforce Stricter Penalties for Illicit Trade
Tougher penalties for those involved in the illegal cannabis trade can serve as a deterrent and help protect consumers from contaminated products.
Tips for Consumers
Know Your Source
Purchasing from trusted sources—whether for medical use or industrial hemp products—reduces the risk of exposure to unsafe cannabis.
Advocate for Legalisation and Regulation
A regulated market can ensure safety standards and protect consumers while reducing the influence of organised crime.
Cleaning Up the Industry
To clean up the cannabis industry, the UK must take a multi-faceted approach:
Collaborate with International Partners: Sharing data and best practices from countries like Canada can help the UK prepare for future challenges.
Invest in Testing Infrastructure: Ensuring that any cannabis legally produced or sold in the UK meets rigorous safety standards.
Support Law Enforcement Efforts: Bolstering law enforcement to tackle the growing problem of illicit imports.
The findings from Canada are a stark warning to the UK.
Without a legal, regulated framework, the risks associated with contaminated cannabis will only grow, particularly with the rise in illegal imports from Eastern Europe. The UK must act now to protect public health and dismantle the illicit cannabis market.
https://www.rpc.ca/english/press/Comparison of Illicit and Legal Cannabis Samples.pdf
Knowing what's in your weed isn't just a personal concern—it’s a national priority.
Published: 20th February 2025
