The most dangerous thing of cannabis is, arguably, the possibility of contaminants. In the past Marijuana has been found to contain Microbiological contaminants like bacteria and molds. Marijuana can support many types of pathogens, many of which are deadly. Bacteria like E.Coli can cause life threatening infections to patients with immune system deficiencies and are invisible to the human eye. Researchers have discovered hundreds of thousands of mold species, many which are capable of producing compounds known to cause human diseases and Cancer. Large percentages of the human population are allergic to molds found on cannabis and should not ingest any quantity.
We have a compiled a list of the most common contaminants in cannabis, check it out!
-Alternaria, a plant pathogen and allergen to humans. Exposure can cause hay fever and may evolve into asthma. Exposure can also cause infections in patients with immune system deficiencies.
-Cladosporium, a plant pathogen which can cause cannabis to reduce the size of the yield & quality. This is the group that contains the most common molds & generates no mycotoxins. Over exposure can cause asthma attacks and/or pneumonia.
- Penicillum, Exposure can cause severe allergic reactions in patients who are sensitive to the antibiotic Penicillin.
-Aspergillus, One of the most deadly molds to humans. Some species have been known to produce large amounts of aflatoxin, a toxin & a carcinogen. Exposure can cause allergic reactions and/or infections in individuals with immune system deficiencies.
-Escherichia Coli. Negative bacteria that lives in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. Most strains are harmless , however several can cause food poisoning in humans .
-Yeast, A group of microorganisms that are often found in cannabis. Some are pathogenic and/or allergenic & should be avoided by patients with immune system deficiencies .
There's also the possibility of pesticide residue, this residue found in the cannabis plant can include neurotoxins which effect the nervous system and can cause brain disorders. These pesticides and other harmful contaminants are a major concern for user safety. The greatest danger occurs with continued use of cannabis that has chronic exposure of pesticide residue on it. Toxic at high levels and harmful at lower doses.
Growers use pesticides to kill flies, spiders, mites, and insects that live on and destroy indoor plants. These insects thrive indoors because they don’t face any insect predators.
Some of the side effects from exposure to pesticides are:
- Alzheimers
- Acute toxicity
- ADHD
- Asthema
- Allergic reactions
- Bladder Cancer
- Brain disorder
- Breast Cancer
- Diabetes
- Developmental & Reproductive toxicity
- Diarrhea
- Eye tearing
- Lack of muscle control
- Lung Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Involuntary Trembling
- Miosis of the eyes
- Prostate Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Skin Irritation
The most common pesticides used in cannabis are:
Avermectins - Microbial based pesticides that effect neural transmissions. Exposure to high doses can debilitate the central nervous system resulting in incoordination and trembling. The Avermectins block the transmittance of electrical activity in nerves and muscle cells. This cause’s a rush of chloride ions into the cells leading to hyperpolarization and eventual paralysis of the neuromuscular system. The most commonly used Avermectins is Abamectin.
Organophospates and Carbamates - These refer to a group of insecticides that are neurotoxins. Exposure at any dose can effect the central nervous system and the brain. Some of these are highly toxic and are responsible for many cases of poisonings throughout the world. These pesticides permanently disconnect Acetylcholinesterase, also know as ”AChE”, a enzyme in the body which is necessary for nerve function in insects, humans and other animals. This group includes Azinphos, Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, Dichlorvos, Methyl Parathion, Malathion, Parathion, Phosmet & Tetrachlorvinphos.
Pyrethoids - A group of synthetic pesticides very similar to the organic pesticide which is produced by flowers. Pyrethoids now control a major part of the synthetic insecticide market. Toxicity will occur at high concentrations , but repeated exposure will increase health risks at a lower concentration. Pyrethoids are allergenic and have caused asthema in patients. This group includes Cypermethrin , Cyfluthrin , Permethrin , Resmethrin , and Tetramethrin.
Spinosyns - A new group of pesticides used today in Organic farming
The list could go on, if you think it is important to add some contaminant that isn't listed just tell us!
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