Is Coffee Shop Cannabis Safe? Studies Show Bacteria, Pesticides, Heavy Metals

The Netherlands has been known for decades as a paradise for cannabis lovers. The famous coffee shops, where you can legally buy small amounts of cannabis and hashish, attract millions of tourists from around the world. The model of “tolerance policy” implemented in 1976 allows the sale of cannabis in these special establishments, which is why the Netherlands is considered a pioneer in a lenient approach to recreational cannabis use.

However, contrary to what many people believe, Dutch regulations on cannabis cultivation remain extremely strict. Growing more than five cannabis plants is illegal, and coffee shops are forced to source from unregulated suppliers on the black market. This situation creates numerous problems, including a lack of quality control and the appearance of contaminants in the products sold.

To address this, the Netherlands has launched a pilot project called the Coffee Shop Closed Supply Chain Experiment (EGC) . One of the first preparatory steps for this experiment was a study conducted by the Trimbos Institute to assess the quality of the cannabis currently available in coffee shops.

Scope and purpose of the research

The research conducted by the Trimbos Institute focused on the analysis of 105 samples of cannabis and hashish purchased in Dutch coffee shops.
The aim was to:

• determining what types of contaminants are present in available products;
• establishing a “baseline” for assessing the effects of introducing regulated cultivation within the EGC.

The samples were tested for the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, fungi and aflatoxins – toxic substances produced by some types of mould.

Types of contaminants detected in tests

1. Heavy metals

One of the most alarming results of the study was the detection of a high concentration of lead (28.5 mg/kg) in one of the hashish samples, which significantly exceeds the allowable limits (5 mg/kg) set by the EGC. Lead, like other heavy metals, can enter the plant from contaminated soil, fertilizers or water.

Potential health effects of long-term use of cannabis contaminated with heavy metals include:

• kidney damage,
• neurological disorders,
• accumulation of toxic substances in the body, leading to the development of chronic diseases.

This finding highlights the need to implement strict quality controls throughout the supply chain.

2. Pesticides

As many as 34% of the samples (both cannabis and hashish) contained traces of pesticides that are not permitted under EGC regulations. Although the concentrations of these substances were well below levels considered hazardous to health, their presence raises concerns, especially in the context of potential interactions with other substances that are created when smoked.

Long-term consumption of cannabis with pesticides can increase the risk of health problems, especially for people who combine cannabis with tobacco, which is common practice in the Netherlands.

3. Bacteria and fungi

Another significant finding was the detection of bacteria and fungi in 20% of dried fruit samples. The most commonly identified microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus, the presence of which indicates poor hygiene standards during cultivation, harvest, packaging or distribution.

While fungi and bacteria may not pose a serious threat to healthy users, they can cause infections in those with weakened immune systems. An interesting observation was the complete absence of microbial transgressions in hashish—which may be due to its production process, which dries the product more than cannabis.

4. Aflatoxins

A positive aspect of the study was the lack of detection of aflatoxins in any of the samples. Aflatoxins, produced by certain types of mold, are known for their high toxicity and potential carcinogenic properties. Their absence in samples sold in coffee shops is good news for users.

Health effects and risks of consumption

The impact of contaminants in cannabis on the health of users largely depends on their general health and the frequency and method of consumption. Healthy people who use cannabis occasionally are less likely to experience serious health consequences, but for regular users and those with weakened immune systems, the risk increases significantly.

Heavy metals: the body’s silent enemy

Heavy metals like lead can build up in the body, causing long-term damage. Regularly consuming cannabis contaminated with lead can lead to:

• kidney damage,
• impaired function of the nervous system,
• brain toxicity and cognitive problems.

Lead, which may be present in soil or fertilizers used during illegal cultivation, is particularly dangerous because even small amounts can have negative health effects.

Microorganisms: The Hidden Threat

The presence of bacteria and fungi such as Staphylococcus aureus poses a risk of infection, especially in people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients or people with autoimmune diseases.

Fungi can also cause allergic reactions or respiratory infections, especially when cannabis is smoked. The high heat of combustion can reduce some of the microorganisms, but the risk is still there.

An additional risk factor is the fact that in the Netherlands most users mix cannabis with tobacco, which further increases the health risks – both through exposure to toxins and the risk of addiction.

EGC experiment – ​​a chance to improve the situation

Dutch authorities have decided to tackle the issue of cannabis quality by introducing the Coffee Shop Closed Supply Chain Experiment (EGC). This is a pilot project involving 10 selected municipalities in the Netherlands.

The main idea of ​​the EGC is to create a legal and regulated cannabis supply chain, in which coffee shops are supplied only by licensed growers. The goal is to eliminate illegal suppliers from the market, which are a major source of contamination.

• Licensed breeders: As part of the experiment, 10 breeders were selected who passed rigorous inspections and met high quality standards.
• Quality Control: Products will be tested for heavy metals, pesticides, microorganisms and aflatoxins. Growers must adhere to strict limits for each of these substances.
• NVWA supervision: The entire process will be monitored by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), which ensures compliance with regulations and high quality of the products reaching the coffee shops.
• Track & Trace System: Each batch of cannabis will be marked, allowing you to track its origin and production history.

Expected benefits

• Reduction of pollution: Thanks to strict controls, products sold in coffee shops will be free of harmful substances.
• Reducing crime: Eliminating illegal suppliers will reduce criminal activity related to cannabis cultivation.
• Consumer health protection: Users will have access to products with known composition and high quality, which will reduce the risks associated with their consumption.

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(Featured image by Ethan Hu via Unsplash)

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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