Unlicensed weed contaminated with E. coli, lead and salmonella, study finds
- Finance
- December 2, 2022
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According to a recent report, about 40% of cannabis products sold in unlicensed stores in New York City contained bacteria, heavy metals and pesticides.
Marijuana, edibles and vaporizers purchased from 20 illegal stores in August were tested and found to contain varying levels of eight contaminants, including E. coli, salmonella, nickel and lead, according to the New York Medical Report commissioned by the Cannabis Industry Association, a government trade group.
One of the products contained twice the amount of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, according to the association representing licensed medicinal dispensary operators in New York.
Nine out of a total of 40 items tested contained less THC than advertised, but one gummy bear with a label claiming a potency of 100 milligrams of THC for each piece was actually twice what analysis showed.
All of the products tested failed to comply with proposed trademark rules by New York State, which on November 21 issued more than 30 licenses for legal retail cannabis dispensaries. Legal sales of recreational cannabis are slated to begin this month. As of now, cannabis can only be legally purchased at 38 medical dispensaries across the state.
“As the Empire State poised to achieve this important goal, new illegal operators have emerged, clinging to the laps of the respected legacy market that already exists, threatening both public health and safety and the long-term success of legal operators “, the association explained in its results published on Wednesday. “These bad actors pose a clear threat that could undermine both the burgeoning industry and the health of New York residents and visitors.”
The Office of Cannabis Management, the agency responsible for putting it on the market, has issued cease and desist letters to illegal businesses across the state, stating that while cannabis is now legal for anyone over the age of 21, you still need a license to sell it legally.
