Man buys tamales off Facebook Marketplace. Then the seller asks to drop it off at 1am–Then he learns what kind of tamales they are

A man decided to purchase tamales from Facebook Marketplace. Then he received them and realized that they contained cannabis.

Social media content creator Elliott Norris (@callmebelly) explained in a TikTok video that he picked up a late-night order of tamales at an odd hour. He proceeded to eat a number of tamales before realizing he made a mistake.

“I am dumb. I ate so many tamales, and then… It hit me and I was like, ‘Oh my God.' And then it just all clicked,” Norris said.

As of this writing, the TikTok post has more than 32,800 views.

‘Be careful what you buy off of Facebook Marketplace'

Norris ordered tamales on Facebook Marketplace from a local vendor. He was hoping to make some food-based content based on the order, which he explained in his video. But he noticed they had a late drop-off time.

The vendor let him know they would drop the tamales off at Norris' door around 1 a.m. Norris agreed. Looking back on it, though, Norris realized he should have questioned the unusual pick-up time more.

“I didn't think anything of it, and… I really should have because that is just unusual business hours for tamales, right?” Norris said.

Norris also said that the flavors of tamales were different from those the average shop sold. He saw a dessert tamale that had graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallow in it. He thought that the vendor simply offered nontraditional options.

He then explained that while speaking to the vendor, they sent him a number of wind emojis and said the order would be delayed “because of the wind.”

“I didn't think anything of it 'cause I live in a town where there's a lot of wind,” Norris said.

What happened when Norris received the tamales?

Norris received his order. When he got the tamales, he realized they were somewhat greasy.

“Wow, these are really greasy tamales. I don't know if I've ever had greasy tamales before,” Norris said.

He proceeded to eat multiple tamales, but he realized something was off about them. That's when everything clicked.

“I'm like, Midnight and 6:00 a.m., that's when you deliver. Oh, you sent me the wind emoji. Oh my God, that meant that the butter… The TH[C] butter was taking a minute.”

Why is everyone eating food from Facebook Marketplace?

Facebook Marketplace is a commerce platform that allows community members within a local area to buy and sell goods. It's widespread in the United States and Canada.

There's a hidden food community on the platform, where home cooks sell their products to willing buyers. The platform has popularized cottage industries, the sale of perishable food products such as baked goods and even meals, from community member to community member.

Trying food from Facebook Marketplace has become a trend on YouTube and TikTok.

YouTubers such as Dylan Huynh, Danny Kim, Rosanna Pansino and Cody Ko have all posted videos trying food from the platform. Gabriel Rivera, an Atlanta-based social media content creator and TikToker, also has a series trying food from Facebook.

Are vendors allowed to sell food on the platform?

Despite the burgeoning industry shifting attention away from established big businesses or chains, there are some reasons to be concerned with food purchases on the platform.

While Facebook doesn't have an explicit rule stating that people cannot sell perishables on the platform, most reseller compliance guides recommend against selling food products, according to Vendoo.

“The platform's design and regulations make it unsuitable for selling food items due to spoilage risks and health regulations,” Vendoo said.

Additionally, most states in the U.S. have specific regulations that require home bakers or chefs to have some form of license to sell products, whether that be a cottage food license or a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit. In Canada, food laws vary wildly by province, but many areas require permits.

While some of the shops available on Facebook Marketplace have licenses or permission to sell goods, many operate without them. Facebook Marketplace has no structure to ask sellers whether they have licenses, which can put buyers at risk of consuming improperly handled goods and products.

As for food products containing cannabis, Facebook's commerce guide has an established policy. “Commerce content may not promote the buying, selling, or trading of drugs, drug paraphernalia or prescription products,” the platform has stated.

‘Nothing could convince me to order food off FB!'

Multiple viewers who saw Norris' video said they didn't have anything to fear; they wouldn't be ordering food from Facebook Marketplace anytime soon.

Some said the fear of food poisoning was a large deterrent from using the platform.

One viewer said, “thought you were gonna say you got food poisoning. So that's not that bad lol.”

Others simply said they weren't interested in the platform. “I would never buy food on Facebook market place…” another person commented.

But a few commenters said the post piqued their interest. Norris may have inadvertently attracted people to the platform's hidden food marketplace.

“Had noooooo idea u can buy food off Facebook … is this available in Canada? all of a sudden have a craving for some tamales,” one commenter said.

Buzz News reached out to Norris and Meta via email for more information.

@callmebelly♬ original sound – elliott