Some illegal cannabis shops operating in NYC are selling weed contaminated with salmonella and pesticides, survey says

• A November survey tested 40 cannabis products from 20 unlicensed weed retailers in New York City.
• The study found harmful bacteria and pesticides in at least 16 of the products tested.

As hundreds of applicants await approval for a license to legally sell recreational marijuana, a survey finds convenience stores and smoke shops in New York City selling cannabis tainted with harmful bacteria.

A November survey conducted by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association tested 40 cannabis products from 20 unlicensed stores advertising marijuana. The test results found E. coli, salmonella, pesticides, and heavy metals in many of the products.

The bacteria were found in both flower and edible cannabis products, the survey alleges. According to the CDC, infection from salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Of the illicit drugs tested, 40% of the THC products failed at least one of the standard tests administered to legal cannabis products, according to the survey. When questioned on the origin of their product, the survey says 75% of the businesses said California or the West Coast.

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.

"The report's findings are deeply troubling and highlight the tremendous risks posed by unscrupulous firms operating above the law," NYMCIA president Ngiste Abebe said, according to New York Post.

"New York has a responsibility to not only protect the health and safety of its residents but also to fulfill the promise of a socially equitable adult-use market. Neither goal can be realized without stricter enforcement against bad actors."

Consumers not only have to worry about the health concerns of potentially contaminated pot but also misleading packaging on THC products.

According to the survey, lab results found gummy bears from one shop labeled at 100 mg of THC tested more than double the advertised amount at nearly 205 mg. Doses of 100 mg or more are considered extremely high and are only recommended to frequent THC consumers, Greenside Recreational reports.

"These bad actors present a clear danger that could undermine both the budding industry and the health of New York residents and visitors," the study concluded.

The New York State Cannabis Control Board announced it first round of approvals for applicants seeking Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licenses in November, ABC7NY reported.

According to the report, the board approved 36 provisional licensees of the total 150 licenses it plans to make available.

Despite slow-moving efforts to open legal dispensaries, medical marijuana has been legally available to New Yorkers since 2014 and recreational use of the drug has been legal since 2021, the city's official site states.