RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. — California regulators have escalated cannabis product recalls and issued more health warnings to consumers. Within the past month, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) initiated six recalls, and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a consumer warning about specific hemp-infused beverages.
Significant increase in recalls
So far in 2024, there have been at least 23 cannabis product recalls, a sharp rise from the three recalls in both 2023 and 2022.
“These recalls are the result of increased inspections and product testing,” said DCC spokesperson Moorea Warren.
Many recalls this year have been due to the presence of Aspergillus, a harmful fungus that can grow on cannabis plants.
Flower product recall
The DCC recently mandated a recall of BloomBox Flower and Pat’s Flower products sold on or after October 9, 2023.
The affected products include:
• LA Pop Rocks x Purple Push Pop, 1 gram
• LA Pop Rocks x Purple Push Pop, 14 grams
The products were packaged on or after October 9th, 2023, and sold in Los Angeles by Palladium Alliance LLC.
Health warning for infused sodas
The CDPH issued a warning to consumers about Mary Jones hemp-infused sodas, stating the products are mislabeled and contain ingredients prohibited under state law. Specifically, the products contain hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isolate, which could pose a risk to consumers.
The affected products include:
• Mary Jones Orange & Cream Hemp-infused Soda with 5mg and 10mg of delta-9 THC
• Mary Jones Berry Lemonade Hemp-infused Soda with 5mg and 10mg of delta-9 THC
• Mary Jones Green Apple Hemp-infused Soda with 5mg and 10mg of delta-9 THC
Future enforcement actions
California Governor Gavin Newsom has directed the CDPH and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to issue notices about illegal hemp products, signaling a more stringent regulatory environment.
