Cannabis sold on streets riddled with mould, lead, E.coli and salmonella, experts warn

The survey recovered that 90% of the samples seized by constabulary successful Greater Manchester and Northumbria were contaminated.

UK thoroughfare cannabis has been recovered to incorporate unsafe levels of mould, yeast, lead, E. coli and salmonella.

The probe was conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University successful concern with Curaleaf Clinic, who analysed 60 samples seized by constabulary successful Greater Manchester and Northumbria.

An astonishing 90% of the tested samples were contaminated with either mould oregon yeast, immoderate 8% with lead, and 2% with salmonella and E. coli. Further autarkic investigating besides discovered highly unsafe synthetic cannabinoids including Spice and K2 successful 27% of samples.

Health experts person issued warnings that this could effect successful respiratory problems, neurological damage, and gastrointestinal infections for users.

These shocking results were unveiled pursuing a survey of 500 cause users commissioned by a aesculapian cannabis clinic, Curaleaf Clinic.

The survey recovered that astir 2 thirds of amerciable cannabis is purchased by those attempting to negociate aesculapian conditions specified arsenic anxiousness (49%), slump (49%) and chronic symptom (28%).

A abstracted survey of 2,000 adults revealed that lone 46% are alert that aesculapian cannabis is ineligible and disposable connected specializer prescription. As implicit 1 successful 10 person resorted to the acheronian web, online retailers, and adjacent QR codification stickers near by dealers to get the substance.

Dr Simon Erridge, probe manager astatine the clinic, warned: "It is important for consumers to beryllium alert of the hidden dangers successful amerciable cannabis, particularly arsenic truthful galore radical are buying it to negociate wellness issues which could beryllium exacerbated by these hazardous substances."

He added: "The instrumentality changed six years agone truthful determination is simply a legal, regulated and quality-tested alternate for those suffering with diagnosed chronic illnesses which haven't responded to accepted therapies. Many radical are putting themselves astatine risk, erstwhile they don't request to."

Despite the dangers, 18% of amerciable cannabis users are oblivious that the products they bargain whitethorn incorporate hazardous contaminants, arsenic an alarming 66% can't place mould-contaminated cannabis.

Curaleaf has initiated a nationalist wellness campaign, What Are You Smoking?, targeting those astir susceptible successful an effort to item the risks of illegally obtained cannabis.

The session has issued Billboards displaying the study's findings successful known cause dealing areas, based connected information gathered done a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. So far, an 'ad van' showcasing the billboards has visited locations successful Tower Hamlets and Lambeth successful London and is acceptable to question to Manchester Piccadilly and Merseyside.

Echoing strategies employed by thoroughfare dealers, biodegradable QR codification stickers directing individuals to important accusation connected the perils of unregulated cannabis are besides being positioned successful these hotspots.

Dr Oliver Sutcliffe, elder lecturer astatine Manchester Metropolitan University, stated: "We anticipation to supply invaluable insights that volition assistance consumers marque safer choices. Our findings service arsenic a stark reminder of the value of vigilance and acquisition successful protecting nationalist health."