THC-infused drinks are appearing in unlicensed grocery stores and delis throughout New York City, prompting warnings from officials about the potential for unsuspecting consumers, including children, to ingest the products. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal expressed outrage over the illegal sales, noting that these potent drinks, often containing 50 mg of THC, are being displayed alongside regular fruit juices and sodas.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has cautioned that cannabis can lead to serious health problems in children. For adults, THC can induce euphoria and relaxation but may also cause anxiety, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, and an increased heart rate, particularly in those new to cannabis, according to Harvard Medical School. In New York, THC drinks are legally permitted for sale only at licensed marijuana dispensaries.
Hoylman-Sigal stated he had previously alerted the state's Office of Cannabis Management about a violation at a Manhattan supermarket, where the drinks were subsequently removed, only to reappear. The New York Post reported finding these cannabis-infused beverages at numerous delis across the city, sometimes shelved next to coffee, juice, and soda. Some shoppers interviewed by The Post indicated they were unaware the drinks contained THC, with one college student mistaking a beverage for kombucha due to its packaging.
Employees at some establishments expressed confusion about licensing requirements. The manager of a deli in Williamsburg, who ordered the drinks from a beer distributor, questioned the need for a hemp or THC license, believing that if it was available for sale, it must have been properly supplied. Another deli on the Upper West Side displayed the THC drinks near organic milk and iced coffee, with some customers stating they would not have noticed them without them being pointed out.
Concerns about high licensing costs, estimated around $8,000 in New York City, have been cited as a barrier for small businesses. This situation highlights ongoing enforcement challenges for New York’s Office of Cannabis Management. The agency's slow licensing process and perceived lax enforcement have contributed to the growth of the illegal cannabis market, leading Governor Kathy Hochul to order an overhaul of the office.
Britni Tantalo, president of the New York Cannabis Retail Association, has urged Mayor Zohran Mamdani to direct the NYPD to assist state agencies in enforcement efforts. The NYPD has previously participated in task-force sweeps to shut down illegal cannabis shops, often in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office and state regulators. A spokesperson for the Office of Cannabis Management confirmed that the agency has been targeting products sold outside the legal framework, with enforcement actions including product seizures and the closure of illicit storefronts.