High Aspergillus levels in moldy Colorado weed – not good for transplant patients

Through Lydia Karuki

The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), along with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), has issued a health and safety advisory regarding unsafe cannabis from a Colorado-based dispensary, Living Rose Wellness. Over 200 batches of cannabis have been tested and found to have unsafe levels of mould, yeast and Aspergillus and have therefore been declared unsafe for human consumption.

The Colorado Springs-based dispensary, registered as SJD, LLC, failed to meet MED Rule Series (4-100) standards when it submitted the marijuana lots for testing. When the batches were retested, it was determined that the safe limit for total yeast, mold, and Aspergillus had been exceeded under Colorado Marijuana Rule 4-115. Mushrooms thrive in high humidity environments. Properly cured cannabis should have a moisture content of around 10% to 12% to prevent fungal growth.

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While most states agree that mycotoxin testing is necessary, regulatory limits vary significantly from one state to another. States testing for Aspergillus include Alaska, California, Michigan, Nevada and New York. Laboratories must use a test method approved by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC® International).

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DOR has advised the public not to consume the moldy cannabis products from the affected dispensary. Consumers must return the products to the pharmacy for proper disposal, they also have the option of destroying the cannabis at home. DOR has also ordered that all adverse reactions associated with the use of moldy cannabis should be reported to the Marijuana Enforcement Division.

Marijuana patients have been denied organ transplants because of the risk of aspergillosis

In 2017, a Maine patient was removed from Maine’s organ transplant list for prior marijuana use. This story was first highlighted by CNN. The Maine transplant program took this drastic step after two patients (with prior marijuana use) contracted aspergillosis after receiving a transplant. In a press release, Maine’s transplant program said patients can be put back on the list once they are out of marijuana.

The Aspergillus is a saprophytic fungus that is commonly found in soil and helps remove carbon and nitrogen from the atmosphere. Aspergillus spores, being very small, are easily spread by strong air currents in a grow room. While Aspergillus spores may not cause harm in healthy individuals, they are likely to cause aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Those who use immunosuppressive drugs also have a higher risk of developing aspergillosis. Aspergillosis can be fatal if it affects breathing or causes bleeding in the lungs. Aspergillosis can spread quickly from the lungs to the kidneys, brain and even the heart.

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A study published in 2016 showed a higher incidence of invasive aspergillosis after kidney transplantation. The outcome of patients who developed aspergillosis after kidney transplantation was also poor. Another study also showed that Aspergillus infection is associated with higher morbidity and poorer outcomes after lung transplantation.

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Use of Marijuana in Transplant Patients: Clarity Needed

A 2019 survey conducted by researchers in collaboration with the American Society of Transplantation’s Executive Committee of the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice sought clarity about marijuana use among transplant patients. The researchers observed a “discrepancy between transplant centers in terms of the perceived risks of marijuana use versus the complications actually observed.”

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis.com and has been republished with permission.