E.coli and lead found in UK street cannabis used for self-medication

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

A survey conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University successful concern with Curaleaf Clinic analysed 60 samples confiscated by constabulary successful Greater Manchester and Northumbria.

Health experts person issued warnings that these contaminants could origin respiratory problems, neurological damage, and gastrointestinal infections successful users.

The tests revealed that 90% of the samples were contaminated with either mould oregon yeast, 8% with lead, and 2% with salmonella and E. coli. Further autarkic investigating besides recovered highly unsafe synthetic cannabinoids including Spice and K2 successful 27% of the samples.

These findings were disclosed pursuing a survey of 500 cause users commissioned by aesculapian cannabis clinic, Curaleaf Clinic.

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

In contrast, a abstracted survey of 2,000 adults discovered that lone 46% are alert that aesculapian cannabis is ineligible and tin beryllium obtained done specializer prescription.

Dr Simon Erridge, probe manager astatine the clinic, commented: "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.

"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."

Over 1 successful 10 person resorted to the acheronian web, online retailers, and adjacent QR codification stickers near by dealers to get the substance. Despite the dangers 18% of those who bargain amerciable cannabis are oblivious that the products they bargain whitethorn beryllium laced with hazardous contaminants, arsenic an alarming 66% can't place mould-contaminated cannabis.

To item the perils of illicitly sourced cannabis, Curaleaf has initiated a nationalist wellness campaign, What Are You Smoking?, targeting those astir vulnerable. Billboards displaying the findings of the survey person been erected 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 risks of unregulated cannabis are besides being positioned successful these hotspots.

Dr Oliver Sutcliffe, elder lecturer astatine Manchester Metropolitan University, commented: "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."