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Union Square Travel Agency Adds Disclaimer on THC Potency at New York Dispensary

Union Square Travel Agency Dispensary Issues Disclaimer on Weed Potency Amid Testing Concerns

In a move that underscores the growing pains of New York's fledgling legal cannabis market, the Union Square Travel Agency dispensary in Manhattan has taken the unusual step of adding a prominent disclaimer to its product labels and displays. The warning explicitly cautions customers that the THC potency percentages advertised on cannabis products may not be entirely accurate, potentially leading to unexpected effects or disappointing experiences. This development, reported in early March 2023, highlights broader issues plaguing the state's cannabis industry, including inconsistencies in laboratory testing and inflated potency claims that have become commonplace in an effort to attract buyers.

The dispensary, which operates under New York's Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, is one of the first legal weed shops to open in the city. Owned by a nonprofit organization focused on supporting communities impacted by past cannabis prohibition, Union Square Travel Agency has positioned itself as a socially conscious player in the market. However, co-founder and CEO Paul Yabush explained that the decision to add the disclaimer stemmed from mounting evidence of unreliable testing results. "We've seen too many instances where the lab numbers don't match up with the actual user experience," Yabush said in an interview. He emphasized that the goal is transparency, ensuring that customers, especially those new to legal cannabis, are not misled by hyperbolic marketing tactics that have infiltrated the industry.

At the heart of the issue is the way THC potency is measured and reported. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, is often highlighted on packaging with eye-catching percentages—sometimes claiming levels as high as 30% or more. These figures are derived from lab tests required by state regulators, but critics argue that the testing process is fraught with variability. Different labs may use inconsistent methodologies, and some producers are suspected of "lab shopping"—selecting facilities that provide the most favorable results to boost sales. In New York, where the legal market is still in its infancy following the 2021 legalization of recreational marijuana, oversight from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has been stretched thin. This has allowed discrepancies to flourish, with some products testing far lower in potency than advertised when independently verified.

Yabush and his team at Union Square Travel Agency decided to address this head-on by posting signs throughout the store and attaching notes to products. The disclaimer reads something along the lines of: "Potency levels listed are based on lab results, but actual THC content may vary. Start low and go slow." This advice echoes harm-reduction strategies long promoted by cannabis advocates, urging users to consume cautiously to avoid over-intoxication. The dispensary has also begun educating budtenders—its sales staff—to discuss these uncertainties with customers, recommending they rely more on strain descriptions, terpene profiles, and personal tolerance rather than solely on THC percentages.

This initiative comes at a time when New York's cannabis market is experiencing rapid expansion but also significant turbulence. Since the first legal dispensaries opened in late 2022, the state has issued licenses to hundreds of operators, many of whom are social equity applicants—individuals or groups disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. However, the rollout has been marred by legal challenges, supply chain bottlenecks, and competition from the thriving illicit market, which continues to undercut prices and quality controls. Potency inflation is not unique to New York; it's a nationwide problem in states with legalized cannabis. For instance, in Colorado and California, studies have shown that advertised THC levels are often overstated by 20-30%, leading to calls for standardized testing protocols.

Industry experts have mixed reactions to Union Square's disclaimer. Some praise it as a bold step toward consumer protection and ethical business practices. "This is what responsible retailing looks like," noted Sasha Perelman, a cannabis policy analyst based in New York. "By acknowledging the flaws in the system, they're building trust and pushing for better regulations." Others worry that such warnings could deter novice users or damage the reputation of the legal market as a whole. A representative from a competing dispensary, speaking anonymously, suggested that the move might be a marketing ploy to differentiate Union Square from rivals, though Yabush denies this, insisting it's purely about integrity.

The disclaimer also ties into larger conversations about cannabis education and safety. With recreational use now legal for adults 21 and over in New York, there's an increased emphasis on informing consumers about responsible consumption. Organizations like the Drug Policy Alliance have long advocated for accurate labeling and testing, arguing that misinformation can lead to adverse health outcomes, such as anxiety, paranoia, or even emergency room visits from overconsumption. In response to these concerns, the OCM has promised to enhance its testing guidelines and increase audits of licensed labs. A spokesperson for the agency stated that they are "actively working to standardize potency testing to ensure consistency and reliability across the board."

For customers at Union Square Travel Agency, the disclaimer serves as a reality check in an industry often driven by hype. Shoppers interviewed outside the East Village location expressed appreciation for the honesty. One first-time buyer, a 28-year-old graphic designer named Elena, said, "I like that they're upfront about it. I've heard stories about weed being weaker than expected, so this helps me manage my expectations." Another patron, a seasoned user, added, "Potency isn't everything. It's about the overall experience, and this place seems to get that."

Looking ahead, the dispensary's action could inspire similar measures elsewhere. As more CAURD licensees open their doors—New York aims to have hundreds operational by year's end—the pressure to maintain high standards will intensify. Union Square Travel Agency plans to continue monitoring lab results and may even partner with independent testers to verify products. Yabush hopes this will not only protect consumers but also pressure suppliers to improve their practices. "We're in this for the long haul," he said. "Building a sustainable, trustworthy market means calling out the problems early."

This episode reflects the evolving dynamics of New York's cannabis landscape, where innovation and regulation are racing to keep pace with demand. As the state works to dismantle the black market and promote equity, addressing potency discrepancies will be crucial to fostering public confidence. For now, Union Square Travel Agency's disclaimer stands as a reminder that in the world of legal weed, not everything is as potent as it seems—literally and figuratively.

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