Curaleaf calls on UK government to have stricter regulations on non-industry cannabis

Curaleaf International is urging the UK government to take immediate action against the rapidly growing online illicit cannabis market, which is allowing street cannabis to be sold from unregulated and unpoliced websites and platforms.

Curaleaf's latest report reveals that illegal online cannabis sales via the open and dark web have risen by 50% in the past two years, and increased by 67% across open web retailers.

This is largely being driven by consumers buying illegal cannabis to seek relief from health conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety (73% of online purchasers) - many of whom could be eligible for legally prescribed medical cannabis.

Curaleaf's report, developed in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, also found that illegal cannabis is often contaminated with dangerous substances such as mold, lead, and synthetic cannabinoids, posing severe health risks to the 1.8 million people in the UK who use the product to self-treat medical conditions. This unregulated market not only endangers public health but also undermines the legal, medical cannabis industry, which adheres to strict quality and safety standards.

Despite dangers including respiratory issues, neurological damage, and increased risk of infection, nearly one in five (17%) cannabis consumers mistakenly believe illegal cannabis is safer than regulated medical cannabis or don't know the difference, highlighting an urgent need for public education to tackle the illicit market and safeguard consumers.

Curaleaf International advocates for a holistic reform strategy that encompasses tightened regulations of illegal channels, policy changes to improve patient access to medicine and expanded research into medical cannabis.

Juan Martinez, Head of Curaleaf International, stated: "While the online market for illicit cannabis is growing year on year and remains completely unregulated, the UK already has a legal medical cannabis market in place, which adheres to rigorous safety and quality standards. Our research has found alarmingly high levels of contamination in illegal cannabis, putting consumers' health at serious risk. If the UK government is truly committed to safeguarding public health and supporting legitimate businesses, it must do more to improve patient access to regulated medical cannabis and enforce stricter regulations on illegal sales."

Click here to read the report