Cannabis May Contain Heavy Metals and Affect Consumer Health, Study Finds
Published:20 Dec.2021 Source:Penn State
Cannabis plants -- which are used to produce industrial hemp, medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) oil, among other products -- have an inherent ability to absorb heavy metals from the soil, making them useful for remediating contaminated sites. But this ability to soak up toxic metals may also make cannabis dangerous for consumers who ingest it.
A new meta-analysis, led by researchers at Penn State, examines the ability of cannabis plants to absorb heavy metals and discusses the resulting health impacts on consumers. The team proposes a blueprint of strategies for growers to alleviate heavy-metal uptake by their crops.