Why buying cannabis online could be risking more than just your cash

But here’s the thing: that quick transaction you’re making could be putting your health on the line—and we’re not talking about getting ripped off with low-grade flower.

At Curaleaf, we’ve worked with Manchester Metropolitan University to look into what’s really in the illegal cannabis that’s circulating on the street and online. Spoiler: It’s not pretty. We’ve found everything from mould to synthetic chemicals, and even traces of lead in some batches. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they can seriously damage your health. And, if you’re already smoking to ease anxiety, the last thing you need is a batch that’s laced with something that’s going to make things worse.

Why You’re Buying Illegal Cannabis

We know that most people aren’t buying illegal weed because they want to break the law or because they trust some dealer over the regulated stuff. Overwhelmingly, it’s about convenience. The legal steps patients have to go through in the UK can make it harder to get cannabis via a clinic. So, people look for the quickest option—which is often online and unregulated.

But the harsh truth is that convenience doesn’t equal safety. What seems like a simple way to deal with your anxiety or stress could end up causing more harm. Respiratory issues, neurological damage, or unpredictable reactions to synthetic additives are all on the table when you’re buying from an unknown source.

What’s Really at Stake

Illegal cannabis is dangerous. Not just because of the legal risks, but because you have no idea what you’re inhaling. For the 1.8 million people in the UK who are self-medicating with illegal cannabis, every purchase is a gamble.

The system in the UK isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re buying cannabis for anxiety or other mental health reasons, there are other options available. The NHS is slowly starting to embrace medical cannabis, and while access is still a pain, it’s worth looking into legitimate sources for your own safety.

Why the Government’s Approach Isn’t Working (And How It Could Be)

The government’s current approach to cannabis is outdated, to say the least. By keeping things so tightly regulated, they’re basically driving people toward the illicit market, which is thriving as a result. But what if cannabis was more accessible? What if you could easily get it prescribed through the NHS or from a legit dispensary? That would make illegal options far less appealing.

Many of the people we surveyed said they’d switch to legal cannabis if it were easier to get. This isn’t about cracking down on people—it’s about giving you a safe alternative. We know the illegal market isn’t going anywhere unless something changes at a systemic level, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep risking your health in the meantime.

The global landscape is changing, with more countries stepping up to create legal frameworks for cannabis regulation, while the UK remains stuck in the past. The old 'War on Drugs' strategy has clearly failed to deliver on its promises, pushing us further behind in the quest for safer, regulated access to cannabis. Imagine if the UK embraced a more modern approach—if cannabis could be accessed safely and legally instead of forcing people into the shadows. That shift could make the illegal market far less enticing.

The Bottom Line

If you’re one of the millions of young people in the UK buying illegal cannabis, it’s time to think twice about where your product is coming from. With more conversations around medical cannabis happening now than ever before, legal options are becoming more available for health issues, and they’re regulated and safer than what you’re getting off the dark web.

At Curaleaf International, we’re working to make cannabis safe, legal, and accessible across the globe. We’re doing the research, and pushing for change so that patients stop playing Russian roulette with their health.