NYC Smoke Shops Selling Contaminated Cannabis, Survey Results

• A November survey compared 40 cannabis products from 20 unlicensed New York City weed retailers.
• The study found that 16 of the products tested contained harmful bacteria or pesticides.
• Nearly 40% of products failed at least one standard test for legal marijuana products, according to survey reports.

As hundreds of applicants wait to be approved for a license to legally sale recreational marijuana, a survey shows that convenience stores and smoke shops in New York City are selling cannabis contaminated with harmful bacteria.

A November surveyThe New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCA) tested 40 cannabis products from 20 unlicensed marijuana stores. The tests revealed that many of the products contained E. coli and salmonella as well as pesticides and heavy metals.

According to the survey, bacteria was found in edible and flower cannabis products. According to the CDCSalmonella infection can cause stomach cramps, fever, diarrhea, and fever.

The survey found that 40% of the illegal drugs tested failed at least one test applicable to legal cannabis products. The survey found that 75% of businesses answered the question about the origin of their product.

The NYCMIA— along with the NJ Cannabis Trade Association and Connecticut Medical Cannabis Council — stated there are “likely tens of thousands of illicit cannabis businesses” operating in New York City.

NYMCIA president Ngiste Abebe stated that the report’s findings were “deeply troubling” and highlighted the enormous risks posed to law-abiding firms. according to New York Post.

“New York has a duty to its residents to ensure their safety and well-being, as well as to fulfill its promise to provide a fair adult-use market. Without stricter enforcement against those who are not in the best interest of the community, neither goal is possible.”

The health of consumers is not only concerned with pot contamination, but also the misleading packaging of THC products.

The survey found that gummy bears containing 100 mg of THC from one shop tested twice as high at almost 205 mg. These are highly recommended for THC-addicted consumers. Greenside Recreational reports.

The study concluded that “these bad actors pose a clear threat that could undermine both New York’s budding industry as well as the health of New York residents”

In November, the New York State Cannabis Control Board approved its first round of approvals to applicants for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licenses. ABC7NY reported.

According to the report 36 provisional licensees were approved for the 150 total licenses that the board plans to make available. 

Despite slow progress in opening legal dispensaries, medical marijuana is legal for New Yorkers since 2014. Recreational use of the drug is legal since 2021. the city’s official site states.