Colorado Steps Up Inspections and Testing Requirements Following Marijuana Recall

The Colorado Department of Revenue and the Department of Public Health and Environment issued a recall of products manufactured by Herbal Wellness LLC due to potentially unsafe levels of microbial contamination. A Public Health and Safety Advisory indicates that Herbal Wellness also failed to test certain harvest batches.

The Colorado regulator recalled 44 batches of contaminated medical and recreational marijuana that were produced between February and July 2019, and 66 batches of untested medical and recreational marijuana that were produced between December 2018 and May 2019. The recalled harvest batches included strains with names such as Chernobyl, Agent Orange, Gorilla Glue and Jack the Ripper.

Colorado’s recall was announced the day after the regulator issued an industry-wide bulletin notifying firms that marijuana products must be tested for mycotoxin contamination beginning on September 15, 2019.

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) also announced that it will test products at 25 randomly selected retail marijuana stores for pesticides, total yeast, and mold. The DDPHE will use METRC to identify flower, trim/shake and pre-rolls that will be included in the assessment. The regulator will publish its findings.

Colorado’s focus on product testing comes as marijuana regulators try to convince consumers that legal cannabis products are a better option. By publicizing recalls, consumers can get a better understanding of the types of dangers posed by untested products.