TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - Cannabis contaminants: sources, distribution, human toxicity and pharmacologic effects
JO  - British journal of clinical pharmacology
A1  - Schneider, Jennifer
A1  - Galettis, Peter
A1  - Grof, Christopher P. L.
A1  - Bolan, Nanthi S.
A1  - Dryburgh, Laura M.
A1  - Lucas, Catherine J.
A1  - Martin, Jennifer H.
SP  - 2468
EP  - 2476
VL  - 84
IS  - 11
N2  - There has been a resurgence in interest and use of the cannabis plant for medical purposes. However, an in-depth understanding of plant contaminants and toxin effects on stability of plant compounds and human bioavailability is needed. This systematic review aims to assess current understanding of the contaminants of cannabis and their effect on human health, leading to the identification of knowledge gaps for future investigation. A systematic search of seven indexed biological and biomedical databases and the Cochrane library was undertaken from inception up to December 2017. A qualitative synthesis of filtered results was undertaken after independent assessment for eligibility by two reviewers. The common cannabis contaminants include microbes, heavy metals and pesticides. Their direct human toxicity is poorly quantified but include infection, carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental impacts. Cannabis dosing formulations and administration routes affect the transformation and bioavailability of contaminants. There may be important pharmacokinetic interactions between the alkaloid active ingredients of cannabis (i.e. phytocannabinoids) and contaminants but these are not yet identified nor quantified. There is significant paucity in the literature describing the prevalence and human impact of cannabis contaminants. Advances in the availability of cannabis globally warrant further research in this area, particularly when being used for patients.<br><br>© 2018 The British Pharmacological Society.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0306-5251
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13695
ID  - ref1
ER  -