Uncovering Potential Health Hazards in Cannabis: Impact on Medical Usage

In a recent study, researchers have shed light on potential health risks associated with the use of cannabis, emphasizing the presence of harmful fungi contamination. This discovery underscores the imperative need for extensive research and enhanced regulations in the cannabis industry. The study advocates for heightened attention to fungal contaminants, especially in cannabis and hemp, and proposes a two-tier system differentiating between medical and recreational products to ensure consumer safety.

The study, conducted by a group of researchers, calls for further investigation and the evaluation of guidelines specifically tailored for medical applications of cannabis. Even when employed for medicinal purposes, cannabis may pose health threats to certain individuals due to the presence of harmful fungi within the plant.

This significant revelation emerges from a recently published peer-reviewed journal article. The authors of this article recommend thorough research and deliberation on regulatory adjustments to safeguard consumers, particularly those with compromised immune systems. Their investigation encompassed data analysis, a review of previous studies, and an examination of both U.S. and international regulations pertaining to the cannabis and hemp industry.

The article, titled “Fungal and mycotoxin contaminants in cannabis and hemp flowers: implications for consumer health and directions for further research,” was featured in Frontiers in Microbiology. The research team behind this study comprises Kimberly Gwinn, a professor of entomology and plant pathology at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture; Maxwell Leung, an assistant professor; Ariell Stephens, a graduate student, both from the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Arizona State University; and Zamir Punja, a professor of plant pathology/biotechnology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

Understanding Pathogens in Cannabis and Hemp

“Hemp and cannabis represent relatively new crops, and our comprehension of their interactions with pathogens is still in its infancy. Several pathogens can produce mycotoxins, compounds that can detrimentally affect human health, and these mycotoxins are regulated in other crop varieties. In our review, we consolidate existing literature on mycotoxins in hemp and cannabis products, identify gaps in research regarding potential mycotoxin contamination in these crops, and explore possible developments based on research conducted in other agricultural systems,” explained Gwinn.

Historically, cannabis research has predominantly focused on the plant’s properties and its medical applications. However, with the expanding legalization of cannabis for various purposes, this article underscores the necessity for comprehensive studies addressing potential health risks.

Fungal Contaminants and Associated Health Risks

“While fungi and mycotoxins are well-documented contaminants in many agricultural crops, they have been relatively under-studied in the context of cannabis and hemp. This is partially due to the fact that the methodologies employed for human health risk assessment, which are established for food and pharmaceuticals, have not yet become standard practice in the emerging cannabis and hemp industries. Additionally, the diverse range of consumer applications of cannabis and hemp flowers, including medical use by individuals with susceptible conditions, presents a unique challenge when it comes to assessing and managing human health risks associated with these contaminants,” as stated in the article.

The authors delve into various fungi, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Mucor, capable of infecting cannabis and hemp plants and producing mycotoxins. They scrutinize the regulations and assessment techniques related to these contaminants and provide recommendations aimed at ensuring safer products for all consumers. Environmental factors, including cultivation methods (indoor vs. outdoor) and growing media (soil vs. soilless), may influence the types of contaminants and ensuing health risks.

Vulnerable Populations and Contamination Risks

The authors review studies that suggest certain fungi can lead to infections in lung and skin tissues, with smoking as the most common mode of transmission and edibles being less common. Furthermore, the research indicates that cancer patients using cannabis to alleviate nausea and enhance appetite, as well as transplant recipients and individuals with conditions like HIV and type 1 diabetes, may be particularly susceptible to fungal infections. Additionally, workers involved in the harvesting of cannabis may face risks. To mitigate potential harm to immunocompromised consumers, the authors recommend the use of sterilized products until more comprehensive data becomes available.

The study examines both international and U.S. standards pertaining to these contaminants, highlighting a scarcity of data regarding their prevalence and associated health impacts. Another challenge for consumers arises from the varying degrees of cannabis product legalization from state to state, resulting in each state establishing its own regulations. Notably, Fusarium mycotoxins, a prevalent category of fungal contaminants known to cause vomiting in agricultural commodities, are currently not subject to regulation.

Assessment and Testing Challenges

The article addresses the difficulties inherent in assessing and testing for pathogens. The authors explore various methodologies, including culture-based assays, immuno-based technologies, and emerging technologies, revealing the complexities involved in these processes. Additionally, the article scrutinizes the management of potential toxins before and after harvest. It concludes by emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between production-related issues and human safety concerns within the cannabis and hemp industries.

Given the widespread recreational use of hemp and cannabis in many regions, the authors suggest a potential solution: the development of a two-tier system that distinguishes between products intended for medical and recreational purposes. The primary aim of this proposal is to reduce potential harm to medical cannabis users resulting from toxigenic fungi. The authors hope that by bringing these issues to the attention of the scientific, medical, and regulatory communities, further research will be encouraged in the field, particularly in the realm of mycotoxins in cannabis products. Access to better data and public dissemination of such data will be instrumental in assessing these risks comprehensively and ensuring the safety of cannabis products for consumers.

Reference: “Fungal and mycotoxin contaminants in cannabis and hemp flowers: implications for consumer health and directions for further research” by Kimberly D. Gwinn, Maxwell C. K. Leung, Ariell B. Stephens, and Zamir K. Punja, published on October 4, 2023, in Frontiers in Microbiology. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1278189. This study was funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cannabis Fungal Contamination

More about Cannabis Fungal Contamination

• Frontiers in Microbiology Article
• University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
• Arizona State University – School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
• Simon Fraser University
• National Institute of Food and Agriculture