Health Canada Report Confirms Public Health Risks of Illicit Cannabis: Why Regulated Supply Matters

A Health Canada study has highlighted serious health risks associated with illicit cannabis, reinforcing the importance of purchasing from legal, regulated suppliers. The findings from Canada’s Cannabis Data Gathering Program reveal high contamination levels in illegal cannabis, including pesticides, mycotoxins, and microbial pathogens, some linked to respiratory infections and toxic exposure. 

As Australia’s largest B2B medicinal cannabis supplier, Biortica Agrimed is committed to ensuring patients and consumers receive safe, high-quality cannabis products that meet strict regulatory standards. This latest report underscores the value of robust testing and regulatory oversight—something the illicit market simply does not provide. 

Key Findings from Health Canada’s Testing 

Health Canada’s analysis of 100 cannabis samples (50 legal and 50 illegal) revealed alarming trends: 

  • Pesticide Contamination – 94% of illegal samples contained multiple pesticides, averaging 3.4 pesticides per sample, including myclobutanil, a chemical that produces toxic fumes when heated. In contrast, only two legal samples contained trace pesticide levels within regulatory limits. 
  • Microbial Contaminants – Illegal cannabis contained significantly higher levels of bacteria and mould, with pathogens linked to respiratory infections such as Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 
  • Heavy Metals – Illegal cannabis had a higher prevalence of toxic metals, with some samples exceeding tolerance limits for arsenic, lead, and cadmium. 
  • Mycotoxins – Six illegal samples tested positive for toxic fungal by-products, including ochratoxin A, which can harm kidney function and weaken the immune system. 
  • THC Mislabeling – While some legal products tested below their declared THC levels, illegal cannabis displayed extreme potency variations—ranging from under 10% THC to over 25%—with zero transparency or product labeling. 

Protecting Patients & Consumers: Why Legal Cannabis Matters 

The lack of regulatory oversight in the illegal market means no batch testing, no quality control, and no accountability. For medicinal cannabis patients, this poses a serious health risk, as untested products may contain harmful toxins, bacteria, or misleading potency levels. 

“In Australia, patients rely on medicinal cannabis for therapeutic relief, not hidden health risks,” said Matthew Turner, Chief Global Officer at Biortica Agrimed. “This study is a clear warning—unregulated cannabis carries serious public health consequences. Our focus is on safety, consistency, and transparency, ensuring that every product is rigorously tested and meets regulatory standards.” 

Setting the Standard: Biortica Agrimed’s Commitment to Quality 

At Biortica Agrimed, all medicinal cannabis products undergo: 

  • Comprehensive lab testing at both the cultivation and regulatory levels. 
  • Strict compliance with Australian TGA standards to ensure safety and efficacy. 
  • Genetic tracking & transparency, ensuring patients receive reliable and consistent medicine. 

As Australia’s medicinal cannabis market grows, it’s critical to prioritise patient safety over convenience. Reports like Health Canada’s demonstrate why choosing regulated cannabis is not just a legal decision—it’s a health decision.