California Cannabis Recall: 'Head Banger' Flower Contaminated With Black Mold

A California company's entire batch of packaged cannabis flower has been recalled over black mold contamination, authorities announced Wednesday.

The recall affected batch number 28090621HB of Perris-based Claybourne's "Head Banger" flower that sold in various jars between Nov. 2, 2021, and Jan. 26, 2022, California's Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) said in a statement.

Information sharing between the state cannabis regulator and an undisclosed third-party entity led to the discovery of Aspergillus niger — more commonly known as black mold — in the batch, which had a UID number of 1A406030000326B000094476.

Samples from multiple retailers were later independently tested and confirmed by the DCC to have been contaminated.

The agency is still investigating the cause of the contamination.

The DCC has urged consumers who purchased a Head Banger flower during the affected timeframe to check their packaging for the batch and UID number. Should they match, consumers are advised to either dispose of the flower or return it to the cannabis retailer where it was purchased.

Cannabis retailers and distributors with the affected product in their inventory have also been notified of the situation, according to the DCC.

"The licensees are required to immediately quarantine the product and are prohibited from selling it. DCC has provided guidance and will work closely with licensees to respond to the recall, including informing customers," the regulator said.

Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without becoming sick, but people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at higher risk of developing health problems due to the mold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Aspergillus infections can cause several types of health problems, including allergic reactions, lung infections and infections in other organs, the agency said.

The estimated value of the marijuana industry in California, which is among the 18 states to have legalized the use of recreational marijuana, is expected to rise from $4.4 billion in 2020 to $5 billion this year.

The black market for cannabis products was valued at around $8.7 billion back in 2019, but the legal market is projected to overtake it in around three years.