Factually! with Adam Conover

Your Legal Weed is Full of Poison with Paige St. John

Feb 19, 2025

This week, investigative reporter Paige St. John from the Los Angeles Times dives into the hidden dangers of legal cannabis. She reveals alarming levels of pesticides in products sold at legal dispensaries, questioning current safety regulations. Paige discusses the long-term health risks these contaminants pose and critiques the government's inadequate responses to consumer safety. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for reforms and transparency in the industry to protect unsuspecting users from toxic substances.

01:06:50

Episode guests

Paige St. John

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Despite marijuana's legalization, significant health risks remain due to alarming levels of pesticides in legally sold products.

California's cannabis regulatory system heavily relies on self-policing by producers, resulting in inadequate safety oversight and accountability.

Consumers can enhance their safety by choosing cannabis products with Certificates of Analysis and prioritizing brands that are certified organic.

Deep dives

The Impact of Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana legalization in the U.S. has dramatically shifted social perceptions and legal frameworks over the past few decades. It offers significant benefits, including reduced incarceration rates for low-level drug offenses and potential economic gains through taxation. However, despite legalization in many states, issues such as persistent illegal markets and corruption have surfaced, indicating the complexity of regulating this industry. The initial hope for legalization was to create a safer and more controlled marijuana market, yet the reality has proven to be more nuanced and problematic.

Intro

3min

The Hidden Dangers of Legal Marijuana

5min

Contaminants in California Cannabis

14min

Fashion Forward: Affordable Luxury and Comfort Options

4min

Toxicity in Cannabis: A Call for Regulation

17min

Dispensaries, Health, and Environmental Concerns

3min

Contamination Concerns in Cannabis: The Backpack Boys Case

3min

The Complexities of Cannabis Legalization

22min

Navigating Cannabis Legalization

3min

Just because weed is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Despite its growing legalization across the country, a lack of regulation has led to alarming levels of pesticides and chemicals in cannabis products—posing serious health risks. This week, Adam talks with Los Angeles Times investigative reporter Paige St. John about her recent findings on contaminated products being sold in fully legal dispensaries and what it means for consumers.

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