Marijuana Recall 2021: Massive Weed Pull May Affect $200M In Cannabis Products

In what may be the largest cannabis recall in Michigan’s history, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency issued a recall for several products due to unreliable test results impacting more than 400 sales locations across the state.

In a safety bulletin, the MRA said it “identified inaccurate and/or unreliable results of products tested by safety compliance facilities Viridis North, LLC and Viridis Laboratories, LLC.”

Viridis Laboratories CEO Greg Michaud told CBS News in a statement, “While we strongly disagree with this decision and firmly stand by our test results, we are fully cooperating with the MRA and working closely with our customers to minimize interruptions and retest affected products at no cost.”

The recall impacts all products tested from Aug. 10 through Nov. 16, except marijuana concentrate products that can be inhaled, such as vape cartridges, live resin, distillate, and “any other cannabis concentrate created through residual solvent extractions.”

A full list of cannabis sales locations affected by the recall can be found here.

The recall is so large that Lance Boldrey, head of Detroit-based Dykema’s cannabis law practice, told the Detroit Free Press that he has heard from multiple sources that the total amount of cannabis flower being pulled is about 64,000 pounds.

In October, 24,000 pounds of cannabis flowers were sold in the state, the news outlet said.

He told the Detroit Free Press that it likely affects more than $200 million worth of marijuana products.

According to the recall notice, the affected marijuana products could cause those with weakened immune systems or lung disease to experience health-related issues such as aspergillosis, which could impact lung function if consumed.

Aspergillosis is typically caused by inhaling mold. It was unclear by regulators if mold was found during the testing of the marijuana products.

Consumers are urged to return the recalled marijuana products to the sales location where they were purchased for proper disposal.

Individuals who have adverse reactions to the affected products should seek medical treatment from their healthcare provider. They should also report the incident to the MRA via email at MRA-Enforcement@michigan.gov or by phone at 517-284-8599.

The MRA said the investigation is ongoing.

Michigan was the first state in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana.