California Cannabis Product Recalls: What You Need to Know

Health concerns prompting recalls

Several of this year's recalls have been driven by health concerns, particularly the presence of aspergillus, a fungus that can grow on cannabis plants. The DCC recently mandated a recall for flower products from BloomBox Flower and Pat’s Flower, sold on or after October 9, 2023. The affected products, LA Pop Rocks x Purple Push Pop in 1 gram and 14 grams, were packaged by Stella Farms and sold at a Dr. Greenthumb dispensary near Los Angeles International Airport.

Additionally, the CDPH has warned against consuming Mary Jones hemp-infused sodas. These sodas were found to contain prohibited hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isolate, which is illegal under California state law. The products in question include:

• Mary Jones Orange & Cream Hemp-infused Soda (5 mg and 10 mg of delta-9 THC)
• Mary Jones Berry Lemonade Hemp-infused Soda (5 mg and 10 mg of delta-9 THC)
• Mary Jones Green Apple Hemp-infused Soda (5 mg and 10 mg of delta-9 THC)

Regulatory actions and industry response

California's regulators are not only recalling products but also taking steps to educate the public and remove these items from the market. The CDPH is working with local health departments and other state agencies to locate, test, and pull these products from shelves. They are also guiding consumers on what to do if they have purchased or consumed these products.

Governor Gavin Newsom has instructed the CDPH and the state’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to address the sale and distribution of illegal hemp products. Despite these efforts, Jones Soda Co., the manufacturer of the recalled sodas, has not yet issued a voluntary recall. This lack of action has led to the CDPH issuing a violation notice to the company’s California distributor in May, warning of potential civil or criminal penalties if the sale of these products continues.

The bigger picture: impact on the cannabis industry

The increase in product recalls highlights the importance of rigorous testing and compliance in the cannabis industry. For consumers, it underscores the need to stay informed about product safety and regulatory updates. For businesses, it emphasizes the necessity of adhering to state laws and maintaining high standards of quality control to avoid the repercussions of recalls and health warnings.

Jones Soda, despite the recall issues, reported a 29% increase in year-over-year revenue for the first quarter of 2024. The company’s CEO, David Knight, remains optimistic about their hemp-derived delta-9 THC products, seeing them as a significant growth driver.

Ensuring product safety: the importance of cannabis testing

Given the rise in product recalls, it's clear that rigorous cannabis testing is crucial to ensuring product safety and compliance with state regulations. Reliable testing can detect harmful contaminants like aspergillus and ensure that products meet safety standards before reaching consumers. For cannabis businesses, investing in the right testing equipment is essential to maintain product integrity and protect consumer health.

Affordable and optimized rotary evaporator for cannabis extraction

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