Illegal Online Cannabis Sales on the Rise, Endangering Public Health
Curaleaf International, a leading global authority in medical cannabis, is urging the UK government to address the growing threat posed by the unregulated online cannabis market. The company’s latest report highlights alarming trends, including a 50% surge in illegal online cannabis sales over the past two years and a 67% increase across open web platforms. This uncontrolled market enables street cannabis to be sold through unmonitored websites and the dark web, exposing consumers to significant health risks.
Alarming Findings on Contamination
In partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, Curaleaf conducted an in-depth analysis of illegal cannabis products. The study uncovered widespread contamination with hazardous substances, including mould, lead, and synthetic cannabinoids. These contaminants pose severe health risks, such as respiratory issues, neurological damage, and heightened infection susceptibility. Despite these dangers, many consumers remain unaware of the risks, with 17% believing illegal cannabis is safer than regulated medical cannabis or being unable to differentiate between the two.
Approximately 1.8 million people in the UK use cannabis to self-treat conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Curaleaf’s research revealed that 73% of online purchasers are seeking relief from such health issues, despite the availability of safe, legally prescribed medical cannabis. This trend undermines the legitimate medical cannabis industry, which adheres to rigorous quality and safety standards to protect patient health.
Comprehensive Reform Needed
To combat the dangers of the unregulated cannabis market and safeguard public health, Curaleaf International advocates for a multi-faceted approach that includes:
- Strengthened Regulation of Illegal Channels: Enhanced enforcement against unlicensed online cannabis sales and dark web activity to protect consumers from contaminated products.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating consumers on the risks of illicit cannabis and the benefits of regulated medical cannabis, ensuring informed decision-making.
- Policy Reforms to Improve Access: Simplifying regulations to enable electronic prescribing of medical cannabis, reducing bureaucratic barriers and improving efficiency in medicine dispensing.
- Expanded Research: Promoting further clinical studies to advance understanding of cannabis’ therapeutic potential and its applications in treating various medical conditions.
Industry Leaders Speak Out
Juan Martinez, Head of Curaleaf International, emphasised the importance of action: “While the illicit online cannabis market continues to expand unchecked, the UK already has a legal medical cannabis framework that upholds strict safety and quality standards. Our report reveals dangerously high levels of contamination in illegal products, placing consumers’ health at serious risk. If the UK government is committed to protecting public health and supporting legitimate businesses, it must enforce stricter regulations on illegal sales, educate the public about the benefits of regulated cannabis, and improve patient access to legal options.”
Boris Jordan, Chairman and CEO of Curaleaf Inc., echoed these concerns: “Our findings reflect a global issue. Contaminated products in unregulated markets endanger patients, leaving them vulnerable without access to tested, legal cannabis. Governments must act decisively to curb the illicit market and expand access to regulated alternatives. Protecting consumers and advancing medical cannabis access should be a top priority.”
Safeguarding Consumers and Supporting Reform
As the illicit cannabis market grows, the need for urgent reform has never been clearer. By enforcing stricter regulations, expanding education, and improving access to regulated medical cannabis, the UK government can protect public health and support the development of a safe and sustainable industry.