What Kind of Contaminants Are in Cannabis?
There has been a renewed interest in and usage of the Cannabis plant for medicinal purposes. However, a thorough knowledge of the impacts of plant pollutants and toxins on plant chemical stability and bioavailability in humans is required. This systematic review attempts to analyze existing knowledge about Cannabis pollutants and their impact on human health, to identify information gaps that need to be addressed in the future.
After two reviewers independently assessed for eligibility, a qualitative synthesis of filtered results was carried out. Microbes, heavy metals, and pesticides are examples of prevalent Cannabis contaminants.
Infection, carcinogenicity, and reproductive and developmental effects are all examples of their direct human toxicity. The transformation and bioavailability of pollutants are influenced by cannabis dosage formulations and delivery modalities. There might be significant pharmacokinetic interactions between Cannabis' alkaloid active components and pollutants, although these have yet to be found or measured.
Testing cannabis for toxins might be a piece of cake if it weren't for the numerous challenges—some technological, some legal. Marijuana, like other herbals, is a product of its surroundings, which may include a variety of harmful chemicals, metals, molds, and germs. Pot's major psychoactive component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may be regarded as undesirable or even a pollutant depending on the intended application. THC-heavy sedatives and recreational products have a low CBD concentration, whereas CBD-rich immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory products have a high CBD level.
Cannabis Contaminants include heavy metals, insecticides, and other noxious substances.
The Poison category would probably cause the greatest harm. Heavy metals, insecticides, fungicides, hazardous solvents, and other noxious substances fall under this group. In the majority of cases, they were introduced to the plant during its growth or extraction. This is usually the outcome of either ignorance or apathy to the end user's health and well-being.
Because of their potential to accumulate in the body until dangerous amounts are reached, heavy metals are a source of concern.
Cannabis is a bio-accumulator, meaning it quickly absorbs heavy metals from the environment. Heavy metal contamination are carried mostly by phosphate ions, and hydroponic fertilizers are particularly prone to this sort of contamination.
The good news is that pesticide residues are still a hot topic among researchers, standards organizations, and business groups. This is the heart of self-regulation, and companies that follow best practices are beginning to thrive in this field. Growers, on the other hand, are concerned about pesticides. The International Cannabis Producers Association, located in California, is solving the problem by giving farmers, authorities, and the general public guidance, resources, and research.
Analyzing Microbial Contamination
Cannabis has been linked to a number of germs, including molds that have been known to damage immunocompromised individuals, as well as bacteria and viruses that can harm humans. Cannabis is linked to a variety of epiphytic and endophytic microbial communities, including numerous toxigenic bacterial and fungal species, according to a new metagenomics investigation on 15 medical Cannabis plants.
While the majority of the microorganisms detected in cannabis are likely phytopathogens or useful to the plant in some manner, many bacterial species have been identified that potentially be opportunistic infections in humans. While no instances of bacterial illness from contaminated Cannabis have been reported, multiple incidences of fungus contamination, specifically Aspergillus sp., have been found in the literature and represent a risk to human health.
Is Contaminated Cannabis Dangerous?
Certain toxins present in cannabis, as previously stated, can cause lung and other respiratory ailments. After utilizing medicinal marijuana as part of cancer therapy in Los Angeles, one man died of a rare fungal infection. Twenty samples obtained from local dispensaries were tested and found to have evidence of a hazardous fungus.
Analysis of Pesticides.
Pesticides may or may not be utilized when growing marijuana in Florida, depending on the agricultural practices of the farmers. Pesticides are, of course, incredibly important for eradicating pests that cause agricultural damage. Unfortunately, the chemical utilized can be dangerous to people if consumed. To assess the presence of dangerous chemical compounds, present in typical pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide applications, we use liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) to test for pesticides in cannabis.
Conclusion
Product quality is crucial in the medicinal marijuana sector. As a grower or supplier, your top responsibility should be to ensure that your product is pure, effective, and safe.
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