A report released on Wednesday reveals that some marijuana products sold in unlicensed stores in New York are not only illegal but contaminated with harmful bacteria, heavy metals, and toxic pesticides.
The association conducted laboratory tests on smokable cannabis, edible candies, and vaporizers purchased from 20 tobacco shops and pharmacies. They found eight different contaminants, including E. coli, salmonella, nickel, and lead, which are prohibited. According to a report from the New York Medical Marijuana Industry Association, a state trade organization, the investigation also revealed that some products had incorrect labeling of their strength.
The association represents licensed healthcare pharmacy operators in New York. It stated that the investigation's results highlight the concerns of elected officials and regulatory agencies regarding the danger posed by the reckless growth of retail stores in the state, which falsely claim that their products are legal.
At present, legal sales of marijuana in New York are limited to patients of 38 medical dispensaries operated by the association. However, prior to the release of this report, regulatory authorities granted licenses to 36 retail dispensaries in the state's first batch of approvals. The regulatory authorities stated that legal sales of recreational marijuana will begin in December.
The industry association stated in its report that "just as the imperial government was preparing to achieve this important goal, new illegal operators have emerged, seizing the tail of the highly respected legacy market, endangering public health and safety as well as the long-term success of legitimate operators.
For years, medical pharmacy operators have been frustrated by their exclusion from the New York retail market due to the prevalence of unlawful storefronts operating without regulation or repercussions. The report aims to pressure authorities to restrict illegal sales, as the healthcare industry seeks modifications to proposed regulations that would require them to pay at least $3 million to enter the retail market.
According to laboratory results, these tests were authorized by Curaleaf, a national chain with four locations in New York, currently facing fines, lawsuits, and product recalls in at least five states as well as license revocations in Oregon.
In Kura Sushi's statement, it defended the reputation of the company by pointing out that the suspension in Oregon is the first time in the 12 years of operation of the chain. A senior female spokesperson stated that this incident involves mislabeled products, and the discovery proves that supervision of the industry is working and regulatory agencies are also taking note of the company's cooperation.
She said that illegal markets in New York or any other state do not have this type of regulatory mechanism.
A newspaper has obtained a report from a basic laboratory test, but no independent verification of any testing results has been completed. Experts advise caution when interpreting these findings, noting that bacteria die when exposed to smoke and some metals and pesticides are considered safe in low amounts. Officials from the city government and cannabis regulatory agencies have stated that they are reviewing the report.
Overall, tests revealed that 16 out of 40 products were found to contain pollutants. Nine products contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the intoxicating compound found in marijuana, at levels lower than what was advertised on their labels. However, analysis showed that one type of gummy candy claimed to have 100 milligrams of THC per piece on its label, but actually contained twice that amount.
The most common pollutants found in cannabis products are Escherichia coli and Salmonella, which were detected in nine different items, particularly loose bud and pre-rolled joints. National regulations prohibit the sale of cannabis products contaminated with these bacteria to consumers. Both types of bacteria can cause infections, often resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and cramps. In severe cases, they can be life-threatening.
The CEO of Talon Analytical, a laboratory licensed by the state, Michael Bianco, has stated that the tested products do not meet the standards set in New York. The company has tested illegal products for their clients, which are mostly medical marijuana companies.
The spokesperson for the Cannabis Control Office, Aaron Ghitelman, stated that the report confirms officials' long-standing claims about the risks of unregulated products and the necessity of shutting down unlicensed storefronts. The agency's governing board passed regulation last week denying licenses to individuals who sell marijuana in unlicensed storefronts or vehicles, or in any other way falsely claiming to be operating legally.
The office is currently involved in a cross-departmental joint law enforcement pilot with the city. Mayor Eric Adams has stated that this initiative has resulted in the confiscation of over 100,000 items and the issuance of 300 civil and criminal violations.
Officials did not indicate whether they will take action against any specific companies that were involved in the sale of tested products mentioned in the report.
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