Az dispensaries recalling marijuana products over aspergillus, lead contamination

Arizona dispensaries are voluntarily recalling two marijuana products
due to possible contamination with aspergillus, a fungus that can cause
allergic reactions or infection — usually in people already sick with
something else, and lead, a naturally occurring heavy metal that may cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the level and duration of exposure.

Elba Holdings’ Scrooge, in flower form, batch number 250310S-100, is being voluntarily recalled due to possible aspergillus contamination, and Saints Bruce Banner from Green Medicine, batch number F11BC241209 in flower form, is being voluntarily recalled due to potential lead contamination.

Symptoms of allergic reactions or infection from aspergillus range from asthma or cold-like symptoms to fever and chest pain, among many others. A full list can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Lead can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the level and duration of exposure. Symptoms range from, but not limited to fatigue, headache, irritability, difficulty concentrating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation and anemia. A full list of symptoms can be found on the CDC website.

To date, no illnesses from either product have been reported.

Consumers who have purchased potentially contaminated products should not ingest, inhale, or otherwise consume them and should dispose of them. Anyone who has already consumed any of the products and has any of the symptoms should contact their healthcare provider, or seek care in the event of an emergency.

Once ADHS discovered the potential
contamination, they contacted the facilities that produced the products,
and the licensees took immediate action to work with all distribution and
retail partners to remove any potentially impacted products from store
shelves.

Testing requirements for marijuana products can be reviewed on Table 3.1 for each 9 A.A.C. 18 Adult-Use Marijuana Program and 9 A.A.C. 17 Medical Marijuana Program.

Arizona has previously had recalls in 2023 and 2024, and cannabis products have been recalled for pesticides, salmonella and/or aspergillus
contamination in several states, including California, Michigan, and
Florida, as well as Canada.