Pesticides detected in black-market cannabis, not in legal samples, study finds
Five samples of illegal cannabis contained pesticides
Traces of pesticides were found in cannabis sold on the black market, while no such traces were detected in legally sold cannabis, a University of Malta forensic study has found.
A total of 24 cannabis samples were analysed, 12 of which were sold legally through cannabis associations, while the remaining 12 were obtained from the black market.
The tests were carried out as part of a cooperation agreement between the University of Malta and the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC).
Godwin Sammut, a member of the forensic laboratory, revealed that five samples from the black-market batch contained traces of pesticides, with one sample testing positive for two different types.
“Pesticides are not always destroyed when burnt, so there is a chance that the user would inhale them, which is harmful to one’s health,” Sammut said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg said the results show that cannabis associations are complying with regulations and are not producing cannabis containing harmful substances.
“This shows that the main aim of the cannabis reform, to safeguard public health, particularly that of cannabis users, has been achieved,” Buttigieg said.
She added that the reform was not intended to promote cannabis use, but to ensure a safer product for those who choose to consume it.