The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has announced voluntary recalls for vape cartridge products from two cannabis manufacturers, STIIIZY and Kind Republic, due to potential pesticide contamination. The recall notices, issued on December 6 and December 4, respectively, join several other ongoing cannabis recalls related to pesticide contamination in the state.
STIIIZY Premium THC Pods Recall Details
The voluntary recall affects the following STIIIZY vape products for potential pesticide category I contamination:
- Pink Acai (UID numbers: 1A406030000678A000022491, 1A406030000678A000011235)
- Purple Punch (UID numbers: 1A406030000678A000022490, 1A406030000678A000011220)
Ironworks Collective manufactured the products, with the Purple Punch products sold in October 2021 and the Pink Acai products sold in October 2023.
Kind Republic Recall Details
The voluntary recall affects the following Kind Republic vape products for potential pesticide category I and category II contamination:
- Kind Republic Ice Cream Cake (UID number: 1A4060300060EC9000000099)
- Ape Ice Cream Cake (UID number: 1A4060300060EC9000000099)
MBM Kosher manufactured the products, which were sold in February 2023.
Consumer Safety and Proper Disposal
The DCC urges customers who have purchased the affected products and are experiencing symptoms or adverse reactions to contact their physician immediately. Customers should check the UID number and dispose of the product or return it to the retailer for proper disposal if the numbers match.
"Cannabis vape cartridges and cannabis integrated vaporizers must be properly disposed of as hazardous waste at a household hazardous waste facility or other approved facility," the DCC stated.
Investigation Reveals Widespread Pesticide Contamination
The recalls follow a joint investigation by the Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek, which found that vapes and pre-rolled joints from popular cannabis brands throughout California contained dangerous levels of pesticides. More than half of the products tested in the investigation contained pesticides exceeding state and federal levels.
"The contaminants include chemicals tied to cancer, liver failure, thyroid disease and genetic and neurologic harm to users and unborn children," the Los Angeles Times reported.
The DCC website lists numerous other recalled products, with many citing potential pesticide contamination as the reason behind the recall.
Pesticide Use in Cannabis Cultivation
According to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, pesticides can be used on cannabis only if they meet certain criteria. "A pesticide product can legally be applied to cannabis under state law if the active ingredient found in the product is exempt from residue tolerance requirements and the product is either exempt from registration requirements or registered for a use that is broad enough to include use on cannabis," the department's website states.
As the legal cannabis industry continues to grow, ensuring product safety and regulation remains a top priority for state authorities and consumers alike.
