Cannabis Safety

Report an Incident to the Office of Cannabis Management

Incidents related to an adverse event, a cannabis issue, or a general product complaint should be reported to the Office of Cannabis Management. You may report the following using the Incident Reporting Form below:

  • An adverse health event which includes any troublesome or undesired medical occurrence or symptom associated with the use of a cannabis product.
  • A concern about a cannabis business which includes businesses that sell cannabis products including unlicensed business locations, sales to a minor or consumption in unauthorized areas.
  • Or a concern regarding a cannabis product, such as product safety, product mislabeling, product formulation or product expiration date.

The information requested is necessary for the Office of Cannabis Management to review your concern. Seek immediate medical attention or advice if you are currently experiencing a serious or troublesome cannabis-related symptom(s). Call your health care provider or the Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.

Incident Reporting Form (alchemer.com)

Safe Storage

Safely and securely storing cannabis in a locked place can help lower the risk of unintentional exposure

  • Cannabis products should be out of sight and out of reach of children and pets. Consider using a safe or a lockbox with a combination lock or keypad.
  • Keep cannabis products in their original packaging. Labels on cannabis products from licensed cannabis dispensaries will have important information including how much THC is in the product, that will help providers during a medical emergency.
  • Infused cannabis products (also known as edibles) should never be stored in a shared fridge or pantry near other food products where they may be mixed up and accidentally consumed.

Safe Storage Guide from the Office of Cannabis Management (PDF)

Impaired Driving

It is illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis, including medical cannabis. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and if you feel different, you drive different. Evidence shows that driving under the influence of cannabis can slow motor coordination and other skills needed to drive safely. If you drive under the influence of cannabis, you risk hurting yourself or others.

The law also prohibits the burning of cannabis by anyone in a vehicle, including the driver and passengers and whether parked or moving . Any driver or passenger consuming cannabis in a motor vehicle is at risk for being charged with a traffic infraction.

  • While it is legal for adults 21 or older to possess cannabis in a vehicle, cannabis should always be securely stored and in a closed container.
  • Adults 21 or older may possess up to only three (3) ounces of cannabis -- and up to twenty-four (24) grams of concentrated cannabis. These are the Adult-Use quantity limits set by the state.
  • It is illegal for anyone in a vehicle to have open containers of cannabis. Like alcohol, no open containers or packaging is permitted for drivers or passengers while in a vehicle.
  • The driver or any passengers may not smoke cannabis while in a vehicle – moving or parked.

View Additional Information from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee

Cannabis and Fentanyl

There is currently no evidence that fentanyl is being added to cannabis products

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine -- and 30-50 times more potent than heroin. It is most frequently used in monitored medical treatment as a prescribed pain reliever and for anesthesia in operating rooms throughout the country. However, like heroin and other opioids, it can be highly addictive.

Fentanyl is illegally sold on the streets as a white powder or in pill form. It is now found in all powder sold as heroin, and it can also be found in powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA – commonly known as ecstasy, and molly or mandy -- and other pills. It has fueled the opioid overdose crisis.

  • There have been no verified incidents of fentanyl-"laced" cannabis.
  • Consumers who have concerns about fentanyl-laced cannabis can eliminate their risk by buying cannabis products from regulated, licensed dispensaries.
  • There is no guarantee that any unregulated cannabis product is free from contaminants or harmful ingredients.
  • Overdose has been reported after the consumption of opioid-laced, synthetic cannabinoid products found in the unregulated market.

Cannabis and Fentanyl Facts Sheet from the Office of Cannabis Management (PDF)

Synthetic Cannabis

Synthetic cannabinoids are not natural products. They are chemical mixtures created in a laboratory to mimic THC and sprayed on plant material to look like cannabis. There is no consistency in the content of the mixtures. These products vary in strength and psychoactive content. Hundreds of different synthetic cannabinoid chemicals are manufactured and sold each year at convenience stores, gas stations, head shops, and bodegas, as well as by individuals, under a variety of names, including K2, Spice, and other names. Consumers often believe they are safe, but many are illegal, contain other (often unknown) chemicals, and have unpredictable and harmful effects.

Cannabis and Opioid Use

Opioid Use Disorder and Substance Use Disorder are both conditions patients may choose to seek relief from with the assistance of medical cannabis. Cannabis is not recommended as an alternative for medication-assisted treatment. Individuals who use opioids should always talk with their healthcare provider, or a substance use counselor before using cannabis. Individuals and families can also call the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (1-877-846-7369) or visit oasas.ny.gov to learn more about addiction treatment.