The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) has issued a product recall for over 62,000 cannabis products from infused product manufacturer Delta Extraction, LLC. The recall was given due to the fact that the products were not compliantly tracked in the statewide track and trace system (METRC), meaning that DCR could not verify these products came from marijuana grown in Missouri and that they passed required testing.
The list of recalled products was posted on the DCR’s website and includes a variety of tinctures, vape cartridges, gel capsules, tablets, and other cannabis-infused products. The DCR instructed consumers to discard or return these products to the dispensary where they were purchased and assured that returns would not affect their monthly purchase limit.
Alleged Affected Products
The Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) posted a list of the recalled products on its website, which included a variety of tinctures, vape cartridges, gel capsules, tablets, and other cannabis-infused products.
Consumers who have purchased any of these products are advised to discard or return them to the dispensary where they were purchased. The DCR has also assured that returns will not affect a patient’s monthly purchase limit.
The DCR urged consumers to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety by following these instructions and alerted them of potential risks associated with marijuana products that have not been compliantly tracked in the statewide track and trace system (METRC). The department reminded patients and consumers to report any adverse reactions to marijuana products by emailing or submitting an online complaint form.
Investigation
The product recall follows an hours-long hearing at the Administrative Hearing Commission where Delta Extraction challenged the immediate suspension of its license by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The DHSS had suspended Delta’s licenses after discovering that the company was using out-of-state hemp-derived THCa in its marijuana products.
Jack Maritz, a manager for Delta Extraction, testified that during the distillation process, hemp-derived THCa may be used from out-of-state sources. THCa is the non-psychoactive compound in marijuana that turns into THC, which gets you high when heated. Delta argued previous state regulations allowed the out-of-state hemp product to be used; the state argued that this was not allowed and that more recent regulations clarified that.
The Administrative Hearing Commission, which handles disputes between businesses and regulators, did not decide Monday whether to reinstate Delta’s license.
Delta’s chief operational officer, Rachael Herndon, said the suspension had harmed the company’s reputation. “Our reputation was damaged, and we had over $10 million in product on our site immediately locked up,”
This recall serves as a reminder to cannabis producers and consumers alike that rules and regulations related to the industry can change quickly. It is essential for all stakeholders in the industry – manufacturers, dispensaries, patients, and consumers – to stay up-to-date with the latest policies and procedures.
You can watch the full Immediate Order of Suspension Conference Call here
