California Cannabis Vape Recall Issued Over Pesticide Contamination

California's Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued a recall order after some THC oil vape cartridges sold in the state were found to contain dangerous levels of the pesticide chlorfenapyr.

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The recall directive comes after an investigation by the Los Angeles Times and industry newsletter WeedWeek, which found that some cannabis products sold across the state, where the legal cannabis industry is worth some $3.5 billion dollars, were contaminated with harmful pesticides.

The mandatory recall, published by the DCC Tuesday, affects West Coast Cure's "Orange Cookies" products packaged on or after September 26, 2023.

The recall of a single CUREpen PREMIUM THC OIL Vape Cartridge was issued due the presence of a pesticide called chlorfenapyr.

Chlorfenapyr is an insecticide, registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2001 for use on non-food crops in greenhouses.

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The DCC's website lists 106 locations where the now recalled product was available for purchase.

The state agency, which is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, recommends anyone experiencing symptoms or any adverse reactions to immediately contact their physician. It directs anyone in possession of an affected product to dispose of it or return it to the retailer for disposal.

Newsweek has reached out to West Coast Cure for comment via a contact form on their website.

A statement provided to the Los Angeles Times on behalf of the company said: "We have passing test results from state licensed labs for every product we put on the market. Our dedication to excellence and doing what's right for our customers and our community is at the core of our values. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide fully tested, exceptional products and uphold the trust placed in us."

The cartridges now join a long list of products recalled in the U.S. in the past month alone, which includes sandwiches, animal food, fresh produce, canned coffee, and cured meats.

Newsweek has also compiled all FDA product recalls in April 2024.

Legal cannabis has become a thriving industry in the U.S. over the past decade since several states began to legalize the use of the drug for recreational purposes.

An industry report earlier this year found that there were 440,445 full-time-equivalent jobs in the sector, and sales of both recreational and medical marijuana reached $28.8 billion in 2023.

The report added that California had the largest legal cannabis jobs market, with almost 80,000 positions in the Golden State alone, followed by Michigan with 46,746.

Whilst marijuana regulation varies from state to state, 38 states permit its use for medical purposes, and almost half now permit the drug for recreational use.

Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about product recalls or marijuana laws in your state? Do you have any questions about pesticides? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.