The National Health Laboratory (LNS) has conducted an extensive analysis of illegal cannabis seized by the police and found that a third of all samples showed traces of contamination.
LNS scientists analysed a total of 142 samples of cannabis and hashish for traces of mycotoxin. They found that every third sample was contaminated with the toxic substance, which usually develops as a consequence of mould.
In excessive concentration, mycotoxins can weaken the human immune system, and further cause neurotoxic illnesses, allergies, pneumonia, as well as cancer. The samples analysed at LNS mainly showed traces of ochratoxin, a specific group of mycotoxins. However, the levels were below the maximal rate that EU regulations generally permit in food.
A statement from LNS concludes the following: “Concentration fluctuates between 1.0 and 16.2 µg/kg with an average of 4.30 µg/kg. In comparison, the maximum ochratoxin rate permitted by the European Commission in food destined for human consumption is 15 to 20 µg/kg. Analyses showed little variation between cannabis and hashish samples.”
