Identifying and Avoiding Laced and Sprayed Cannabis: A Comprehensive Guide

With the increasing popularity of recreational cannabis, it's vital to understand the risks associated with purchasing and consuming marijuana from dubious sources. In some instances, cannabis might be subject to tampering, such as spraying or lacing with other substances, which can pose significant health risks. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to identifying and avoiding such products. 

What is Laced and Sprayed Cannabis?

Before we delve into the details, let's understand the terminologies. Laced cannabis refers to marijuana that has been combined with other drugs or substances. This is typically done to enhance the psychoactive effects of the cannabis, making it seem stronger than it is. On the other hand, sprayed cannabis is marijuana that's been treated with additives to improve its weight, smell, or appearance, thereby increasing its marketability.

Prevalence of Contaminated Cannabis

Contamination of cannabis, either intentionally or unintentionally, is more common than one might think. While the likelihood of purchasing laced cannabis is relatively low, especially when obtained from reputable sources, the risk is still present, especially when procured from illegal or unregulated sources.

Substances Used to Lace or Spray Cannabis

Cannabis can be laced with a variety of substances, ranging from other drugs to inorganic materials. Some of the most commonly used substances include:

  1. Cocaine: Known to induce a stimulating effect, cocaine is sometimes mixed with cannabis to create a unique combination of stimulant and sedative effects.

  2. Heroin: This highly addictive substance is occasionally mixed with cannabis to induce extreme relaxation and euphoria.

  3. PCP or Angel Dust: This hallucinogenic drug is sometimes added to cannabis to enhance its psychoactive effects.

  4. LSD: A potent hallucinogenic drug, LSD is sometimes used to lace cannabis to induce powerful hallucinogenic effects.

  5. Methamphetamine: This powerful neuro-stimulant is sometimes mixed with cannabis to cause severe effects, including hallucinations and seizures.

For sprayed cannabis, substances like laundry detergents, glass shards, and even food colouring might be used to enhance the appearance and weight of the product.

Recognising Laced or Sprayed Cannabis

Identifying laced or sprayed cannabis can be challenging, especially for the untrained eye. However, there are a few signs that might indicate something is off:

  1. Unusual Aroma: If your cannabis smells more like chemicals than a natural product, it might be laced or sprayed.

  2. Altered Appearance: Laced or sprayed cannabis may appear unusually glossy or have an uneven colour.

  3. Unusual Physical Effects: If consuming the cannabis leads to unexpected physical effects like numbness, extreme relaxation, or hallucinations, it could be a sign of lacing.

  4. Abnormal Taste: Cannabis laced with other substances might have a metallic or bitter taste.

How to Avoid Contaminated Cannabis

To minimise the risk of purchasing laced or sprayed cannabis, it's advisable to:

  1. Buy From Reputable Sources: Purchasing your cannabis from a trusted dispensary or a licensed producer can greatly reduce the risk of buying contaminated products.

  2. Examine the Product: Before purchasing, inspect the product for any unusual smell, appearance, or texture.

  3. Avoid Pre-Ground Cannabis: As it's easier to mix substances with ground-up weed, it's safer to purchase unground buds.

In Conclusion

While the risk of encountering laced or sprayed cannabis is relatively low, especially when procured from reputable sources, it's crucial to stay informed and vigilant. By understanding what to look for and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy your cannabis experience without worrying about potential contaminants.

Remember, the safest way to ensure the purity of your cannabis is by purchasing from a licensed source, or better yet, growing it yourself. The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what you're consuming is worth the extra effort and cost.