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Fax To:



From:
Department of Health

Date:



18 September 2007



Reference
CEM/CMO/2007/20

Category:
NON-URGENT (cascade within 3 days)




Title:
UPDATE ON SEIZURES OF CANNABIS CONTAMINATED WITH GLASS PARTICLES


Broadcast Content:

All GENERAL PRACTITIONERS - please ensure this message is seen by all practice nurses and non-principals working in your practice
- Deputising services
- Project manager/Nurse lead in Walk in Centres
- Lead nurses in PCTs
- PCT Pharmaceutical Advisers to forward to community pharmacists

Update on seizures of cannabis contaminated with glass particles

1. This is a further update to previous alerts, issued on 16 January and 17 May 2007, regarding potential health harms associated with the use of cannabis that had been contaminated with glass particles. 2. Since then we have continued to work with colleagues in the Forensic Science Service (FSS) and this communication is to update you on our latest advice based on emerging information. 3. There have now been a total of 151 cases containing cannabis contaminated with glass particles within the UK and Ireland. The data shows that contaminated cannabis has been in circulation since at least July 2006 and in significant numbers since at least November 2006.

4. However, from April 2007 there have been very few cases in the UK involving cannabis contaminated with glass. From the FSS data, the proportion of herbal cannabis seizures contaminated with microscopic glass particles has fallen to less than 1% for the period April to June 2007. 5. There are currently no seizures of cannabis contaminated with glass recorded for July and August 2007, although the data for these months have yet be completed as not all cannabis seizures in this period will have been examined and recorded by all the forensic providers.

6. However, despite these reductions, clinicians are advised that there is still a potential risk of individuals presenting for treatment with symptoms associated with the smoking of cannabis that has been contaminated with glass particles and drug users also should be advised that if they have concerns about particular samples they should avoid any further use.

7. DH will continue to monitor the available information and will provide updated information when appropriate.
Update on cannabis contaminated with glass FINAL 18 09 07.rtf


Additional Information: