California cannabis regulators have recalled a pesticide-tainted vape cartridge, seven months after the contamination was first reported.
Paige St. John reports for the Los Angeles Times.
In short:
- The recalled vape cartridge, an “Orange Cookies”-flavored product by West Coast Cure, exceeded safety limits for the insecticide chlorfenapyr.
- The lab that certified the vape's safety had its license suspended, and the batch consisted of nearly 5,000 vapes.
- A Los Angeles Times investigation found widespread contamination in cannabis products, prompting further scrutiny and legal actions.
Key quote:
“The state’s continued failure to enforce against those who fail to comply — both inside and outside of the regulated market — has put the credibility of the entire adult-use market in peril, and now threatens the very consumers we aim to serve."
— California Cannabis Industry Association
Why this matters:
Chlorfenapyr is a powerful insecticide, and its presence in a consumable product raises serious health concerns. This chemical, designed to control pests, is not meant for human consumption and can cause severe health issues, including respiratory problems if inhaled. The recall highlights serious regulatory lapses and persistent issues with pesticide contamination in California’s legal cannabis market, raising health concerns for consumers and undermining trust in the regulatory system.
Find out more: Some West Coast cannabis growers have gone organic.
