Warning To Marijuana Consumers: Oregon And Nevada Recall Mold-Infected And Fungus-Tainted Cannabis

Oregon Recalls Cannabis Flower Over Mold and Heavy Metals 

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) has recalled cannabis flower products from three producers in response to positive tests for mold (aspergillus) and heavy metals (cadmium and mercury).

The issue came to light during a routine audit of the Cannabis Tracking System, prompting the OLCC to instruct retailers to stop selling the 

affected batches, per KTVZ News Channel 21.

Approximately 75 recreational marijuana retailers in Oregon sold the 

products to consumers between January and June 2023, posing potential risks to public health and safety.

See also: High Alert: Arizona And Colorado Issue Recall Of Marijuana Products, Citing Contamination Concerns

The recall encompasses various strains and harvests from Greenworks Farms, Nectar Markets and Rebel Spirit, all of which were harvested before March 1, 2023, in compliance with existing testing requirements.

However, subsequent quality control tests conducted by the producers revealed the presence of microbiological contaminants and heavy metals at levels that could be hazardous to consumers. Aspergillus, a mold known to produce harmful mycotoxins and heavy metals, recognized as carcinogens linked to various diseases, is the primary concern.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are strongly advised to dispose of them. Thus far, the OLCC has not received any health-related complaints, but individuals with concerns can seek assistance from the Oregon Poison Center or consult their medical providers.

See also: Cannabis Recall Again In Oregon: Potential Presence Of Pesticides In These Products

Nevada Warning: Cannabis Product Tests Positive for Fungus

Meanwhile, Nevada's Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) also issued a bulletin cautioning marijuana consumers about a product that tested positive for the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus.

Specifically, the identified product is Phantom Farms' 1/2 oz S.B. Dancing Monkey, which was sold from May 9 to May 21, 2023, reported 8 News Now.

Although the packaging had initially passed testing, subsequent investigations revealed the testing reagents used may have produced a false negative. After retesting, it was confirmed to be positive for Aspergillus fumigatus.

See also: Vermont Recalls Contaminated Weed After Man Gets Sick, Board Suggests State Gets Its Own Testing Lab

The CCB clarified that neither the lab nor the cannabis sales facility was aware of the fungus at the time of reporting or sale. As of now, no cases of illness associated with the product have been reported.

Aspergillus fumigatus can cause health issues, including Aspergillosis, an infection linked to certain Aspergillus species. In light of this discovery, the CCB advises consumers to exercise caution and refrain from using the affected product.

Read more: Cannabis Developments Across The US: Medical Marijuana, Recalls, Regulatory Boards And More

Photo: Courtesy Of Daniel Norin On Unsplash