California Cannabis Regulator Recalls Vape Cartridges Due to Pesticide Contamination
The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued a recall for certain THC oil vape cartridges after detecting dangerous levels of chlorfenapyr, a prohibited pesticide. This action follows an exposé by the Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek, revealing pesticide contamination in cannabis products across California's $3.5 billion legal marijuana market.
The mandatory recall, announced Tuesday, targets West Coast Cure's "Orange Cookies" products packaged from September 26, 2023, onward. Specifically, the CUREpen PREMIUM THC OIL Vape Cartridge was found to contain chlorfenapyr, an insecticide approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2001 for non-food greenhouse crops.
The DCC has identified 106 retail locations that carried the affected products. As a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, the DCC advises consumers experiencing adverse reactions to seek immediate medical attention. Those possessing recalled items should dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, the company asserted, "We have passing test results from state licensed labs for every product we put on the market. Our dedication to excellence and doing what's right for our customers and our community is at the core of our values. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide fully tested, exceptional products and uphold the trust placed in us."
This recall adds to a growing list of recent U.S. product withdrawals, including various food items and consumer goods.
The legal cannabis sector has experienced significant growth in the United States over the past decade, coinciding with increasing state-level legalization. A recent industry report revealed 440,445 full-time-equivalent jobs in the field, with combined recreational and medical marijuana sales reaching $28.8 billion in 2023.
California leads the nation in cannabis employment, boasting nearly 80,000 jobs, followed by Michigan with 46,746 positions. While cannabis regulations differ across states, 38 currently allow medical use, and almost half permit recreational consumption.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating the rapidly expanding cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control measures to ensure consumer safety.
The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued a recall for certain THC oil vape cartridges after detecting dangerous levels of chlorfenapyr, a prohibited pesticide. This action follows an exposé by the Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek, revealing pesticide contamination in cannabis products across California's $3.5 billion legal marijuana market.
The mandatory recall, announced Tuesday, targets West Coast Cure's "Orange Cookies" products packaged from September 26, 2023, onward. Specifically, the CUREpen PREMIUM THC OIL Vape Cartridge was found to contain chlorfenapyr, an insecticide approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2001 for non-food greenhouse crops.
The DCC has identified 106 retail locations that carried the affected products. As a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, the DCC advises consumers experiencing adverse reactions to seek immediate medical attention. Those possessing recalled items should dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, the company asserted, "We have passing test results from state licensed labs for every product we put on the market. Our dedication to excellence and doing what's right for our customers and our community is at the core of our values. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide fully tested, exceptional products and uphold the trust placed in us."
This recall adds to a growing list of recent U.S. product withdrawals, including various food items and consumer goods.
The legal cannabis sector has experienced significant growth in the United States over the past decade, coinciding with increasing state-level legalization. A recent industry report revealed 440,445 full-time-equivalent jobs in the field, with combined recreational and medical marijuana sales reaching $28.8 billion in 2023.
California leads the nation in cannabis employment, boasting nearly 80,000 jobs, followed by Michigan with 46,746 positions. While cannabis regulations differ across states, 38 currently allow medical use, and almost half permit recreational consumption.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating the rapidly expanding cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control measures to ensure consumer safety.
