Is Natural Always Safe?

The rapid global expansion of medical and recreational cannabis markets has intensified concern about mycotoxin contamination of cannabis flowers and products derived from Cannabis sativa. Most if not all plants host diverse fungal mycobiomes (plant pathogens, epiphytes, and endophytes), and C. sativa is no exception. Over 100 species, including opportunistic human pathogens and pathogens capable of producing toxic secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) have been isolated from C. sativa. Since legalization of chemotypes of the plant low in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (hemp) in the U. S. and of high THC chemotypes in other jurisdictions, scientists have documented infection or colonization of cannabis inflorescences by mycotoxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Alternaria. Only two mycotoxins (aflatoxins and ochratoxin A) are regulated in U. S. states, but there are no unified standards. In some U. S. states, no testing is required. The mycotoxins produced by species of the plant pathogen, Fusarium are regulated in human and animal feeds, but there are no limitations on cannabis or cannabis-derived products. This presentation will synthesize current knowledge on the spectrum of mycotoxins documented or strongly implicated in cannabis, Their associated health risks, analytical challenges, regulatory frameworks, and research priorities will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the relationship(s) between toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins

2. Describe regulations regarding mycotoxins in cannabis

3. Identify mycotoxigenic fungi associated with cannabis