By New York officials sent researchers to sample products from illegal bodegas and pop-up pharmacies that sell cannabis on the streets and test them for harmful contaminants. If all you want is safe and pretty flowers, the findings have been disastrous at best.
according to report About 40 percent of the illicit cannabis products sampled in New York City contained harmful contaminants such as E. coli, salmonella, and lead, according to a study led by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association, published Nov. 30. It turns out that Cannabis products were purchased only from approximately 20 illegal sites, but across all five administrative districts.
Salmonella, E. coli, and other contaminants in weeds pose a serious threat to health and are controlled under typical state regulations. When you smoke weed with bacteria such as E. coli, Direct route of infection to the lungswhich can potentially cause a lot of damage.
“E. E. coli, Heavy Metals, Piracy, and the 100 Percent Failure Rate – A Look at New York City’s Illicit Cannabis Market,” in partnership with the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA), is the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA). ) was published by Connecticut Medical Cannabis Council (CMCC).
Main findings
This report reveals the results of third-party lab testing of cannabis products purchased from over 20 unlicensed dispensaries across five wards. Among key findings, researchers found that various products contained E. coli, salmonella, and pesticides. About 40% of the products failed at least one of the standard tests conducted for legal cannabis products available only in legal medical cannabis dispensaries.
The report “reveals the dangers posed by illegal operators of pop-ups that evaded New York regulations” posing a public health hazard.
In some cases, it has twice the amount of THC advertised. Finally, more than 50% of places where products were purchased did not ask for ID.
NYMCIA President Ngiste Abebe said, “The report’s findings are troubling and highlight the enormous risks posed by unscrupulous businesses operating out of the law.” We have a responsibility not only to uphold the but also to deliver on the promise of a socially fair adult marketplace—both goals that cannot be achieved without a strict crackdown on bad actors.”
bloomberg report More than 30 legal businesses were licensed on November 21, but for the most part it’s open season for illegal cannabis businesses.
New York Community Impact
The implications for disadvantaged communities were also brought up. “I want everyone to understand that these smoke shops and delis are not legacy operators, but opportunists who are traumatizing our community and hindering our ability to build wealth. They are poisoning our black and brown communities, you can’t build wealth without health, and these smoke shop owners are destroying New York’s cannabis reputation with chemicals. They need to stop,” said Juan Carlos Hunt, CAURD license applicant, legacy operator and co-founder of New York Social and Economic Equity.
Others blamed the failure of the medical cannabis program for “pushing” New Yorkers into an unknown illegal market.
“In the face of an eroding medical cannabis program, New York patients are being forced into this newly ubiquitous illicit market, exposed to E. coli, salmonella, and other dangerous toxins from untested products. It’s been exposed,” Curareef said. “They deserve better and New York must prioritize creating a safe and thriving cannabis program for them and adult-use consumers.”
Here is the link to the full report: found here.
