E. coli, Salmonella or lead found in 40% of New York’s illegal weed
New York officials dispatched researchers to test products from illegal bodegas and pop-up dispensaries that sell cannabis on the street, testing them for harmful contaminants. If it’s a safe, clean flower you want – the results have been dismal at best.
According to a report released Nov. 30 by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association, it was found that about 40% of illicit cannabis products sampled in New York City contained harmful contaminants such as E. coli, salmonella and lead. The cannabis products were only purchased from about 20 illegal locations, but they spanned all five counties.
Salmonella, E. coli and other weed contaminants pose a serious threat to your health and are controlled by typical government regulations. Smoking weed containing bacteria such as E. coli provides a direct route for the infection to the lungs, where it can potentially cause major damage.
“E Coli, Heavy Metals, Copyright Infringement, and 100 Percent Failure Rate – A Look at New York City’s Illicit Cannabis Market” was published by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA) in partnership with the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA). . and the Connecticut Medical Cannabis Council (CMCC).
Important Findings
The report reveals the results of third-party lab testing of cannabis products purchased from over 20 unlicensed dispensaries across the five counties. Among the key findings, the researchers discovered the presence of E. coli, salmonella and pesticides in various products. About 40% of products failed at least one of the standard tests performed on legal cannabis products only available from legal medical cannabis dispensaries.
The report “sheds light on the danger posed by illegal pop-up operators who have circumvented New York regulations,” creating public health hazards.
In some cases, the THC content is double the advertised amount. Finally, over 50% of the places where the product was purchased did not ask for identification.
“The report’s findings are deeply disturbing and highlight the enormous risks posed by unscrupulous companies operating above the law,” said NYMCIA President Ngiste Abebe. “New York has a responsibility not only to protect the health and safety of its residents, but also to fulfill the promise of a socially just market for adult use. None of the goals can be achieved without stricter enforcement against bad actors.”
Bloomberg reports that over 30 legal business licenses were granted as of November 21, but for the most part it’s an open season for illicit cannabis businesses.
Impact on New York communities
The implications of impacting disadvantaged communities were also highlighted. “I want everyone to understand that these smoke shops and delis aren’t legacy operators — they are opportunists who are re-traumatizing our community and preventing us from building wealth. They are poisoning our black and brown communities. You can’t build fortune without health, and these smoke shop owners are destroying the reputation of New York’s cannabis with their chemicals. They must be stopped,” said Juancarlos Huntt, CAURD license applicant and legacy operator and co-founder of New York for Social and Economic Equity.
Others blamed a failed medical cannabis program that “shoved” New Yorkers into the unknowns of the illicit market.
“Faced with an eroding medical cannabis program, New York patients have been pushed into this newly rampant illegal market, exposing them to E. coli, salmonella and other dangerous toxins from untested produce,” said Don Williams, vice president of government relations at Curaleaf. “They deserve better, and New York must prioritize creating a safe and thriving cannabis program for them and adult consumers.”
A link to the full report can be found here.
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