Contamination of Marijuana
I have told my grandchildren (not that they listen) that pot should be legal but they shouldn't smoke it. I can't see sending someone to prison for 3-5 years for possessing weed. In the early 70s, my girlfriend (wife later) and I were hitchhiking across the country. We got picked up by an older guy outside of Reno who said he was too drunk to drive. Anyway he told us that if you shoot someone in NV (which he stated while showing us his loaded handgun), you might be in jail for a decade or more but it you get caught with weed, you are going away for a really long time.
Times have changed but we still need a federal marijuana legalization and management plan. Most people should not be smoking it, however. Gummies?? Many of the same problems come with gummies.
A couple of problems come with poor federal management. The amount of THC in that package is probably not accurate. Different brands compete with each other and overstate the actual active ingredient.
The second issue is more serious and that is contamination.
Public and private studies show that marijuana can be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and microbes like bacteria and mold, posing health risks such as infections, cancer, and developmental issues. Research indicates widespread pesticide use, with some samples exceeding state limits significantly, and that contaminants like aflatoxins can survive smoking. Concentrates may have specific risks, such as lead leaching from cartridges over time, and improper cultivation can lead to harmful microbial or chemical contamination.
Types of contamination
Pesticides: Residues from insecticides and fungicides are common, with some samples containing multiple pesticides at levels far exceeding regulatory limits.
Heavy Metals: Lead and other heavy metals can contaminate cannabis, with one study showing detectable levels in up to 50% of liquid extracts.
Microbes: Bacteria (like E. coli or Salmonella), molds, and fungi can be present. Certain molds, like Aspergillus, produce carcinogenic mycotoxins that can survive the smoking process.
Mycotoxins: These are toxins produced by fungi. Recent studies found high levels of Fusarium mycotoxins*, like fusarenon-X, in illicit cannabis samples.
Plant Growth Regulators: These chemicals are sometimes used during cultivation and can lead to user exposure, with one study finding pest control samples in 18% of licensed samples.
Health risks
Infection: Pathogenic microbes can cause infections, particularly in immuno-compromised individuals.
Cancer: Carcinogenic compounds, such as some mycotoxins, can increase cancer risk.
Neurological effects: Pesticides and heavy metals can pose neurological risks.
Developmental and reproductive issues: Exposure to certain contaminants can affect development and reproductive health.
Acute effects: Pesticides can cause immediate issues like coughing and nausea.
Cannabis Induced Psychosis: Cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP) is a temporary mental health condition that can occur after using cannabis. It is characterized by a range of psychotic symptoms, including:
Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not real
Delusions: False beliefs that are not based on reality
Paranoia: Suspiciousness and fear
Disorganized thinking and speech: Difficulty communicating clearly and logically
Changes in mood: Euphoria, anxiety, or depression
CIP is typically triggered by the use of high-potency cannabis containing high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is more common in people who have a genetic predisposition to psychosis or who have a history of using cannabis regularly.
Risk Factors:
Regular cannabis use, especially high-potency strains
Family history of psychosis
Genetic predisposition
Young age of onset of cannabis use
Diagnosis and Treatment:
CIP is diagnosed based on a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation. Treatment typically involves:
Discontinuing cannabis use: Avoiding cannabis is essential for recovery.
Psychotherapy: Therapy can help patients manage symptoms, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their overall mental health.
Medications: Antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to reduce psychotic symptoms.
Prognosis: Most cases of CIP resolve within a few weeks to months after discontinuing cannabis use. However, some individuals may experience ongoing symptoms or develop a chronic psychotic disorder. It is important to seek professional help if you experience symptoms of CIP to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Product-specific concerns
Concentrates: Some contaminants, such as lead leaching from cartridges, can be exacerbated in concentrates due to prolonged contact time and potential for higher concentration.
Illicit products: Recent studies have found high levels of mycotoxins in illicit cannabis, suggesting poor quality control.
What is being done
Testing and Regulation: Many states have regulations for testing cannabis for contaminants, but there are significant gaps in policies and enforcement.
Research: Ongoing research is working to identify contaminants, understand their health effects, and develop better testing methods and regulations.
Everyone has their own reason for using cannabis. My audience usually doesn’t include young people, and they are the ones most likely to experience cannabis induced psychosis or similar problems. The usual ages for this being a serious problem are 16 to 23 or so. It is helpful to be aware of these problems that you might see in your children or grandchildren.
If you seem to have any problems, you can first try a different brand or strain of cannabis. I would also recommend keeping your detox system working as good as you can get it. The easiest thing to do is to keep your liver and kidney support with NAC. I have links to a couple of other blogs about this.
* Fusarium mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by Fusarium fungi, which are plant pathogens that can contaminate crops like corn, wheat, and oats. Major mycotoxins include fumonisins, zearalenone, and trichothecenes (such as deoxynivalenol, or DON). These toxins can cause a range of health effects in humans and animals, including gastrointestinal issues, immune suppression, and neurotoxic symptoms, and are managed through agricultural practices and post-harvest methods.
Side Note: A new medical specialty is emerging…Psychodermatology. This is the relationship between the skin and brain. Both skin and brain come from the same embryologic tissue so the connection is real. We have noticed in our own family that the kids with skin issues went on to have behavioral and addictive issues later in life. We can’t say this is true for all and as a parent or grandparent, there is only so much you can do but this may be something to watch.
DS 2025