Hordes of illegal cannabis stores invade NYC

There are “probably tens of thousands of illegal cannabis businesses” currently operating in bodegas, smoke shops and other storefronts in New York City — with many of the pop-up shops selling bad or dangerously tainted weed, a new study shows.

The survey, conducted by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association — in partnership with the NJ Cannabis Trade Association and the Connecticut Medical Cannabis Council — bought cannabis products from 20 unlicensed stores that publicly advertise marijuana sales and left have the products tested by an independent laboratory.

Laboratory results revealed potentially deadly E. coli, salmonella, heavy metals and pesticides in many products.

About 40% of THC products have failed at least one of the standard tests performed on legal cannabis products and only available at legal medicinal cannabis dispensaries, according to the study.

The lab results also provided an example of THC levels more than double those advertised – with gummy bears labeled as 100 mg THC tested at 204.77 mg at one store, the survey claims.

Eight other stores had flowered or other cannabis products tested at lower THC levels than advertised, the study claimed.

Half of the locations didn’t ask for identification – a big problem as youth under the age of 21 are barred from purchasing cannabis or THC products. Recent studies show that cannabis use among young adults and adolescents has skyrocketed nationwide as more states have legalized recreational marijuana sales.

The report also claimed that 100% of cannabis-flowered products and edibles violated New York State’s stringent regulations.

Equally startling is the study’s admission that there are “probably tens of thousands of illegal cannabis businesses currently operating out of bodegas, smoke shops, or other retail outlets” that are licensed to sell other products. “The estimated number of illegal ‘backroom’ venues in New York City is far too large,” the study states.

Aside from the health hazards of buying from illegal cannabis dealers, the proliferation of black market stores and mobile trucks that pay lower or no taxes on their products threatens to undermine New York State’s newly licensed cannabis operators, who are obligated to follow the rules and pay higher taxes that drive up the cost of their products.

The state last week issued 36 licenses — 28 to entrepreneurs and eight to nonprofit groups — for the retail sale of cannabis. But The Post uncovered unregulated businesses already boldly operating across the city, including neat neighborhoods like Kew Gardens.

AFP via Getty Images

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“These bad actors pose a clear threat that could undermine both the burgeoning industry and the health of New York residents and visitors,” the study concluded.

“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. Neither goal can do that
be accomplished without stricter enforcement against bad actors.”

Cannabis license applicant Juancarlos Huntt, co-founder of New York for Social and Economic Equity, fumed: “They are opportunists who re-traumatize our community and prevent 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.”