The Heavy Metal Content of Cannabis

The Cannabis industry has taken an innovative approach to the use of cannabis in a variety of products. Industrial hemp, medical marijuana, and CBD oil are some of the most commonly known uses for cannabis. An added benefit to growing cannabis is its ability to remove heavy metals from the soil, which makes it a good source of remediation for contaminated grounds. Adversely, this ability to “clean” up the soil means the metals are absorbed by the plant and are then passed on to consumers who ingest it. Penn State researchers have examined cannabis’ ability to absorb heavy metals and the impact it has on consumers. 

Lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium are known carcinogens. The heavy metal content of cannabis isn’t regulated, so buyers may be unaware of any potential health hazards associated with consuming contaminated products. For anyone using medical marijuana, this could be a significant health concern when used to treat issues such as nausea and pain. Adding the possibility of heavy metal toxicity to their current health condition could have dire consequences. 

To make cannabis consumption safe, researchers have made some recommendations for avoiding heavy metals in cannabis crops. Picking the right land to grow crops meant for consumption is the first step. Research the land you intend to farm and know its history. Test the land for heavy metals, nutrient levels, PH levels, microbials, and pesticides. Go the extra mile on testing – it will save long-term costs for time, labor, and resources. Next, use the right seed, and as a business, push for higher standards and transparency in the production of ingestible products. Making the right decisions early in the process can make all the difference between cannabis’ use as a health aid or as a toxin. 

Sources:

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/cannabis-may-contain-heavy-metals-and-affect-consumer-health-study-finds/

https://hempindustrydaily.com/how-to-avoid-heavy-metal-accumulation-in-your-hemp-crop/