LUXEMBOURG: Illegal cannabis infected with mycotoxins.

LUXEMBOURG – The National Health Laboratory has analyzed illegal cannabis seized by the police in Luxembourg. The laboratory discovered a significant amount of mycotoxins inside the cannabis buds.

A third of illegal cannabis would be contaminated. 

According to research carried out by a team from the National Health Laboratory (LNS), about a third of illegal cannabis in Luxembourg is contaminated with mycotoxins. The laboratory published the results of the study in the specialized journal Mycotoxin Research. 

What are mycotoxins? According to the LNS, mycotoxins are toxins produced by microscopic fungi such as Aspergillus or Penicillium. Mycotoxins are not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it is impossible for consumers to know if their cannabis is contaminated or not, except if they bring it to a laboratory. 

Mycotoxins can damage health. 

These fungi proliferate primarily in warm and humid weather. They are present on plants, seeds, fruits, as well as their by-products. When consumed with food, these toxins can create illnesses. 

“The effects of mycotoxins include depression of the immune system, neurotoxic conditions, the development of allergies, pneumonia and even cancer,” explain Drs Claude Schummer and Serge Schneider, of the LNS.

The LNS food surveillance and analytical toxicology teams analyzed 142 samples of hashish and cannabis seized in Luxembourg by the Grand Ducal Police. The team found ochratoxin in about one out of three samples, with concentrations between 1 and 16.2 micrograms per kilo (µg/kg), for an average of 4.3 µg/kg. The situation is problematic as the European Commission set the authorized limit at 15-20 µg/kg for mycotoxins in food.

“The majority of contaminations are however in concentrations below the limits tolerated in Europe,” explained the researchers. The team also reminded that mycotoxins “resist sterilization and heat and can therefore easily end up in the food chain.” 

Recreational cannabis: soon to be legalized in Luxembourg 

Last year, the government of Luxembourg announced its wish to legalize recreational cannabis. Already authorized for therapeutic purposes, the consumption of cannabis should soon be legalized for recreational purposes. According to the government, the new bill must become effective during 2022, when the Chamber of Deputies will review the bill.

Once established, the bill should help reduce drug-related crimes and support the fight against the black market. Regarding mycotoxins, let’s see whether legal cannabis will do better than the illegal cannabis currently circulating in the country.

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