Researchers from Arizona State University have discovered alarming levels of fungal toxins, known as mycotoxins, in illicit cannabis seized by law enforcement in Arizona and California. Their recent study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, raises serious concerns about potential health risks posed by these contaminants, which are currently unregulated in the cannabis industry.
The research team, led by Ariell B. Stephens and Maxwell C.K. Leung, analyzed 118 samples of illegal cannabis confiscated by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force of Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Shockingly, 16% of these cannabis samples contained detectable levels of mycotoxins and fungal metabolites, particularly those produced by Fusarium fungi.
Among the detected contaminants were toxins like fusarenon-X, diacetoxyscirpenol, deepoxy-deoxynivalenol, alpha-zearalenol, neosolaniol, and sterigmatocystin. Fusarenon-X was notably common, detected in ten separate samples at levels ranging from 500 to 1,700 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding typical regulatory limits set for other agricultural commodities.
While visible signs of mold were absent, the environment in which illicit cannabis was grown was typically poorly managed, characterized by water damage, standing water, and mold infestations. These conditions are prime for fungal growth and mycotoxin production. The researchers observed several indoor cultivation sites with significant water damage and black mold contamination on walls, ceilings, and doors, illustrating the unsanitary conditions under which black-market cannabis is frequently produced.
Unlike certain Aspergillus toxins, Fusarium toxins are not currently regulated for cannabis products in any U.S. state. The team highlighted that the documented toxins are known to cause symptoms similar to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, including severe vomiting and gastrointestinal distress. The study further noted that vaping and smoking, common methods of cannabis consumption, do not necessarily destroy fungal contaminants, potentially exposing consumers to serious health risks.
Given the massive scale of the illegal cannabis market—valued at approximately $76 billion in 2022—these findings underline an urgent public health need for regulatory oversight of fungal contaminants in cannabis products. This study calls for further investigation into the prevalence of Fusarium contamination and its impact on cannabis consumers.
To explore more about this critical issue, visit the original research article here: https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP16028
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