Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

NY Cannabis Not as Potent as It Claims to Be According to New Research

NY Weed contains drastically lower THC than advertised
NY Weed contains drastically lower THC than advertised

A recent experiment conducted by NY Cannabis Insider has led to a statewide policy change in New York State regarding the testing and labeling of legal recreational cannabis products. The experiment involved purchasing the eight highest-potency strains of legal recreational cannabis available in the state and submitting them for potency testing at a state-certified laboratory. The results showed that the majority of the products available on the market contained significantly lower THC levels than advertised:

  • One strain showed 33.8% THC on the consumer-facing label, while testing said the actual number was 21.7%
  • The lab found another product contained 17.7% THC, while its label advertised 28.5% – a roughly 47% difference
  • Only three samples came within a 10% margin of error from their labeled potency, which is more or less the variance state regulators are proposing be allowed for the New York industry
  • Only one out of the five brands had gone through testing for state-certified potency, and its strength was almost exactly what the label stated.

The discrepancy between the labeled and actual potency of the products was due to a government band-aid called line testing, which allows flower and pre-rolls to be sold without measuring actual potency and instead advertise "anticipated potency". 


This policy has now been changed by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which has concluded that the state's flower "should be tested for potency" and has announced an end to its line testing program for flower and pre-rolls.

The OCM also stated that it is updating its testing protocols due to a greater than expected variability of potency testing for flower, and will constantly monitor data and update standards and protocols to reflect the findings. The policy change affects every cannabis grower, processor, and consumer in the state.

“Cannabis consumers have a right to rely on the accuracy of packaging and labeling, and manufacturers and marketers have a duty to ensure the safety of their products and the accuracy of the representations on their labels,” Sheri Tarr, the chief advisor of cannabis consulting firm '68 Partners told NY Cannabis Insider.

The experiment conducted by NY Cannabis Insider has highlighted the need for proper testing and labeling of cannabis products to ensure the safety and accuracy of information for consumers. 

The policy change by the OCM is a step in the right direction towards creating a more transparent and accountable cannabis market in New York State.

More For You

map of medical and recreational cannabis retailers in state of New York
NY Cannabis Program Under Fire for Misconduct
NY Cannabis Program Under Fire for Misconduct

Legal Weed, Legit?

New York’s legal cannabis industry was supposed to be the nation’s model of equity and regulation. Instead, it’s quickly becoming a cautionary tale. And the latest news doesn’t just raise eyebrows—it should set off alarms across the entire industry.

According to an April 7 report byThe New York Times, New York State regulators are conducting a sweeping investigation into some of the biggest cannabis companies operating in the state—Stiiizy, Grön, Mfused, and others—over allegations of using out-of-state or unauthorized cannabis to produce products for legal dispensaries. It’s a practice insiders call inversion—and it’s been the industry’s not-so-secret open secret for years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Transparency in NY's Cannabis Market: The NYMCIA Controversy
Transparency in NY's Cannabis Market: The NYMCIA Controversy
Transparency in NY's Cannabis Market: The NYMCIA Controversy

Selective Outrage Hurts NY Cannabis

Authored by: Veterans Holdings CEO Jason Ambrosino

Last week, the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA) issued a press release accusing licensed dispensaries of selling "out-of-state cannabis" and undermining the integrity of the legal market. Read the press release here.

Keep ReadingShow less
image of a circle of doctors and surgeons standing over and looking at a patient on operating room table
New Study Confirms Medical Cannabis Benefits in Cancer Care—Time for Policy to Catch Up
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Cannabis & Cancer: The Evidence Is In—So Why Is the Medical Establishment Still Dragging Its Feet?

If you've ever watched a loved one battle cancer—or been on that journey yourself—you already know the harsh truth: the pain is real, the nausea is relentless, the appetite is gone, and the side effects of treatment often feel worse than the disease. So when patients say cannabis helps, it shouldn’t take 10,000 studies for the medical community to take them seriously.

And yet, here we are.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cannabis and Aging: A Groundbreaking Study Challenges Long-Held Beliefs - The Bluntness
Cannabis and Aging: A Groundbreaking Study Challenges Long-Held Beliefs - The Bluntness
Giphy

Aging & Cannabis: New Findings

For decades, cannabis has been widely regarded as a substance with potential cognitive risks, particularly when used over long periods. Governments across the globe have classified it as a controlled substance, citing concerns about the effects of marijuana use, including memory loss, diminished executive function, and long-term neurological impact. But new research is challenging this long-standing assumption, suggesting that cannabis use may not be linked to age-related cognitive decline—and might even be associated with better cognitive preservation over time.

A recent study published in PubMed (NIH, 2024) followed over 5,000 men for more than four decades to analyze the long-term cognitive effects of cannabis use. The results? Men with a history of cannabis use experienced less cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife compared to those who never used cannabis.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comprehensive Glossary of Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness
Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness
Photo by Margo Amala on Unsplash

Are You Ready to Master Cannabis Lingo? Explore Essential Terms Now

This glossary covers key cannabis-related terms that can help consumers better understand the cannabis industry, products, and their effects. Whether you're new to cannabis or looking to deepen your knowledge, these definitions offer clarity on common terms you might encounter.

Cannabis Basics: What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a fascinating plant species that includes three main types: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Each of these species has unique characteristics and effects. The cannabis plant is a complex organism, rich in various compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds contribute to the plant’s diverse range of effects and therapeutic benefits. Cannabis plants are cultivated for both medicinal and recreational purposes, and they can be consumed in multiple forms, including dried flower, extracts, and edibles. Whether you’re interested in the energizing effects of Cannabis sativa, the relaxing properties of Cannabis indica, or the unique traits of Cannabis ruderalis, there’s a cannabis plant to suit every need.

Cannabis Products: Cannabis Extracts

Cannabis extracts are highly potent products derived from the cannabis plant using various extraction methods, such as solvents or CO2. These extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that can be used in several ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, or as ingredients in edibles and topicals. There are several types of cannabis extracts, each with its own texture and potency, including wax, shatter, oil, and crumble. These products are often favored for their high cannabinoid content and are commonly used for medicinal purposes, such as pain relief and anxiety management. Whether you’re looking for a powerful dabbing experience or a potent ingredient for your homemade edibles, cannabis extracts offer a versatile and effective option.

Keep ReadingShow less