More marijuana product recalls in California as gov weighs pro-industry bills

California regulators issued a mandatory recall on two more marijuana products from West Coast Cure that contained a banned pesticide.

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) on Thursday issued the consumer advisory on the following products:

• Jack Herer Curepen premium THC oil vape cartridge, 1,000 milligrams.
• Animal Cookies Live Resin Diamonds concentrate, 1 gram.

The latest recalled products from West Coast Cure (WCC) contained chlorfenapyr, which typically is sprayed directly on leaves to combat caterpillars, fungus gnats, mites and other pests.

The presence of the illegal pesticide has prompted recalls in the past few months of several other marijuana products from WCC and other operators.

WCC, one of the top-selling brands in California with distribution in hundreds of stores, has told MJBizDaily all its products on retail shelves passed compliance testing by state-licensed laboratories.

Pesticides an ongoing problem

The latest products under recall were packaged more than 10 months ago and likely consumed by now.

A recent MJBizDaily analysis highlighted that most marijuana recalls are issued too late to recover cannabis products potentially containing unhealthy levels of mold or pesticides.

In another case, California regulators recently ordered a Northern California hemp grower to destroy plants in 22 greenhouses after an investigation revealed illegal pesticide use.

Lawmakers OK cannabis-friendly bills

In another important development in the California industry, lawmakers this week approved two cannabis-related bills and sent them to Gov. Gavin Newsom:

• Assembly Bill 1775 would legalize cannabis cafes akin to outlets in the Netherlands, according to Sacramento TV station KCRA. Last year, Newsom vetoed a similar bill proposed by Haney that would have allowed California marijuana retailers to operate traditional kitchens and host events on their premises.
• AB 1111 would allow farmers to obtain a license to sell marijuana products directly to consumers at licensed cannabis events in sanctioned jurisdictions. The bill, according to KCRA, would expand on legislation that allowed marijuana retailers and brands to sell products at the California State Fair in Sacramento for the first time this year.

The governor has until Sept. 30 to veto or sign the legislation.