California Cannabis Regulators Issue Health-Related Recalls on Products

LOS ANGELES- In a statement released on Wednesday, the DCC outlined the details of two separate recalls involving cannabis products. The recalls underscore ongoing regulatory vigilance in the burgeoning cannabis industry, particularly in California, a state at the forefront of cannabis legalization and regulation.

California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has recently initiated mandatory and voluntary recalls for specific cannabis products from two companies, Urban Therapies Distribution, LLC and Echsen Industries, LLC. These recalls have been triggered due to significant health concerns related to mold and pesticide contamination.

Recall 1: Urban Therapies Distribution’s Gelato Orangeade

The first recall is a mandatory action taken against Urban Therapies Distribution, LLC. This recall pertains to their product, Gelato Orangeade hybrid cannabis flower. The batch in question, numbered GF-271 and manufactured on July 12, 2023, was found to contain Aspergillus flavus, a mold known for its potential to harm human health. This recall was officially issued on January 10, 2024.

The DCC has advised consumers who have purchased this product to check the Unique Identification (UID) and batch number on their package. If the numbers correspond with the recalled batch, the product should either be disposed of or returned to the retailer for appropriate disposal. Urban Therapies Distribution has yet to publicly respond to the recall.

Recall 2: Echsen Industries’ Infused Pre-rolls

The second recall, a voluntary action by Echsen Industries, LLC, concerns their Fog City Farms Shark Bites infused pre-rolls. This recall, also announced on January 10, was prompted by the detection of the pesticide Spiromesifen, along with Cadusafos and Cyphenothrin, in the product. These substances are considered to pose a health risk. The implicated batch, numbered 0628301 and manufactured on June 28, 2023, was distributed after July 17, 2023.

Echsen Industries has advised consumers who have purchased this product to check the UID and batch number for a match with the recalled batch. If so, the product should be disposed of or returned to the point of purchase. Additionally, customers experiencing any adverse effects should seek medical attention.

In response to the recall, Fog City Farms, through an Instagram post, clarified that they have never used chemical pesticides. They attributed the contamination to a third-party manufacturing facility, describing the incident as isolated and affecting only a specific batch of their Pacific Chem pre-rolls. Fog City Farms maintains that the cannabis flower they provided was uncontaminated, citing their own test results.

The DCC has made more detailed information about these recalls available on their website. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges and the importance of stringent quality control in the cannabis industry.