Is Black Market Weed Safe?

Canada and 24 US states have legal recreational marijuana. Medical marijuana is available in 40 states, but for some it’s not enough. The cannabis black market is thriving, but it is also hurting the newly legalized market and confusing consumers. As a customer, you need to know if black market weed is safe.

A study commissioned by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association found that after checking cannabis products from 20 illegal stores in New York City, about 40% contained harmful contaminants such as E. coli, lead and salmonella. This was before the boom of more than 1,500 unlicensed pharmacies. Consumers pay high prices for something that may not be compatible with their bodies.

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While it’s a problem in states like Colorado, Michigan and Washington, it’s a much bigger problem in New York and California. It is a major stumbling block for the young legal industry and a potential danger for consumers.

Looking ahead, Canada considered launching a campaign at the start of legalization to persuade consumers to shop at authorized pharmacies. Here is the information Manitoba is sharing with the public:

When purchasing cannabis, make sure you purchase it from a licensed retail store that offers a wide selection of legal products.

Street or black market cannabis offers you no quality control in terms of potency or purity. It may contain traces of pesticides and even other medications that could endanger your life.

When you support the black market, you have no idea whether or not your money is being used to fund other illegal activities. If you purchase cannabis from a black market supplier, you risk arrests and fines.

When it comes to the black market, it is important to understand the supply chain. Step one is the breeders. There are currently a significant number of indoor cultivations that increase the cost of the plant. California growers lose money from illegal indoor and outdoor cultivation because it’s simply cheaper. The state is doing everything it can to crack down and there is no control to ensure quality or farming techniques.

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The other two segments are “the guy.” Some people find it easier to use their “guy” to hook them up. They purchase products – both legal and illegal – and then sell them directly to the customer. No taxes, no oversight, no verification of what’s in the product.

Two big problems for consumers are inconsistent potency levels, meaning not getting high enough or getting too high. The other reason is unhygienic processing and packaging, which can directly affect your body and bodily functions.

Although California has some of the highest taxes in the industry, enforcement is dismal. Colaroda and Maine have some of the best, although black markets are dwindling. With over 50% of U.S. states set to legalize weed, it is imperative for state governments to resume taxation and enforcement