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Melissa Hutsell is an award-winning freelance journalist with a deep rooted passion for both community and international journalism. She was born and raised in Northern California, and has lived, studied, worked, and traveled in more 20 different countries. Melissa holds a Master's degree in Global Journalism from City University London, as well as degrees in Journalism and Globalization from Humboldt State University. Though she covers various topics as both a writer and editor, she specializes in business and cannabis journalism.
Contaminated (Or Deregulated) Cannabis?
Though this particular article focuses on a study of strains grown and used in California, it highlights an issue that’s relevant wherever you reside – is your cannabis safe to smoke?
The University of California, Davis conducted the study, published in the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection, which looked at 20 samples of northern California-grown cannabis. Researchers found traces of bacteria and fungi on the samples, suggesting it is unsafe to smoke cannabis due to these contaminants. However, the results apply primarily to those with weakened immune systems. The study also failed to find cannabis as the source of the suspected illnesses, as the article states, “Tuscano emphasised that until more research is done, he can’t be 100% assured that contaminated cannabis caused the infections […].”
Samples were also incomprehensive, with researchers looking only at cannabis flowers that were unregulated. Many collectives enforce strict testing standards.
The good news is that due to science such as this, more and more companies all over the world are providing lab-tested products. They even share their results to ensure customers are getting cannabis that’s void of harmful materials.
In the meantime, there are plenty of alternatives (tincture, oils, topicals, edibles) for those with weakened immune systems, or those who want to err on the side of caution.
