Understanding the risks of illegal cannabis has never been more important. Unlike products from the legal market, illegal cannabis is not tested or regulated. Without accurate labelling or quality controls, there’s no way to know what you’re consuming, putting you and others at serious risk.

E. coli doesn’t care how good your edible tastes.

Health Canada testing found E. coli in 0% of legal cannabis products - a claim illegal sources simply can’t make! Ingesting E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can lead to hospitalization for children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Mould and your lungs don’t mix!

Health Canada discovered unsafe mould in 73% of illegal cannabis. Mould is a serious health risk that’s often invisible until it’s too late. When inhaled, mould spores can cause persistent coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and in some cases can lead to lung infections that require medical treatment. This is especially dangerous for people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems.

Think it’s just cannabis in that pre-roll? Think again!

Health Canada found that 94% of illegal cannabis samples tested positive for multiple pesticide residues - chemicals never meant for your lungs. Inhaling these chemicals can lead to chronic respiratory issues and long-term lung damage, as well as cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

What’s really growing in your cannabis?

Health Canada testing found that 43% of illegal dried cannabis samples exceeded bacterial safety limits, meaning nearly half contained levels of bacteria unsafe for consumption. Bacteria in cannabis can potentially lead to lung infections or pneumonia if inhaled, or gastrointestinal illness (stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea) if ingested.

How do you know if your cannabis is legal? Find out here

Figures from Health Canada’s study “Cannabis Data Gathering Program: A comparison of legal and illegal dried cannabis products”