The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the growing evidence that marijuana products are often contaminated with dangerous toxins and pollutants, writing,
Marijuana contaminated with arsenic, lead or mold is causing serious, even life-threatening illnesses around the country as use of cannabis products explodes.
People who have used marijuana have higher levels of heavy metals in their blood and are more likely to develop fungal infections, according to studies. Researchers have linked contaminants found in marijuana to cases of sudden-onset numbness, fatal lung bleeding and artery disease that resulted in amputations.
The article notes that marijuana products are easily contaminated by pesticides and mold spores, because the marijuana plant itself easily absorbs toxins in the soil and chemicals or other substances sprayed on the plant.
These contaminants are passed along into marijuana products — posing serious health risks for marijuana users.
Research continues to underscore that marijuana use is dangerous.
Marijuana users face a 60% higher risk of first-time heart attack, stroke, or other major cardiovascular problem.
Heavy marijuana use has been linked to psychosis — especially among young men.
And regular marijuana use has been associated with lung problems and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. A 2022 study published in the journal of the Radiological Society of North America found marijuana smoke may actually be more harmful to lungs than cigarette smoke.
This medical research comes as a proposed marijuana amendment is vying for the 2024 ballot in Arkansas.
All of this underscores what we have said for years, marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
