Researchers in the Netherlands have discovered lead, pesticides, and potentially harmful bacteria in semi-legal cannabis sold in the country’s “coffee shops,” the Guardian reported.
The study, conducted by the Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), aimed to establish a “baseline” for cannabis contamination and ensure the safety of products from licensed growers.
The researchers tested 105 cannabis samples, including both resin (hashish) and marijuana. One in five samples showed signs of “microbiological transgressions,” such as Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or fungal residue. About one-third contained pesticide traces.
One hashish sample had nearly six times the amount of lead (28.5 mg/kg) allowed in cannabis sold during the country’s upcoming trial period.
“Yes, there are contaminants in the cannabis,” Pieter Oomen, an analytical chemist and researcher on the Dutch drug market said. “We found multiple pesticides, multiple instances of microbiological contamination, and one sample that contains lead,” he told the newspaper.
Despite the Netherlands’ reputation for relaxed cannabis laws, it remains illegal to process, sell, or produce the drug.
The country allows the sale of cannabis in designated “coffee shops” under strict conditions.