The Oregon Liquor Control Commission recalled a shipment of recreational marijuana after the strains were tested positive for pesticide. The OLCC recalled nine pounds of Blue Magoo, a strain of marijuana sold at a dispensary in Mapleton, Oregon. The Commission issued a health advisory on Saturday after they identified a potentially hazardous pesticide residue on the marijuana cultivated by Emerald Wave State, LLC.
The affected products include the marijuana flower, and it was sold at the dispensary Buds 4 U LLC. The retailer noticed the failed pesticide results in the Cannabis Tracking System and immediately contacted the OLCC, which led to the voluntary recall of the product by Buds 4 U. The dispensary had already sold 82.5 grams of the Blue Magoo strain between March 8 and March 10, and the OLCC is urging buyers to recall the product, which is unsafe.
This is not the first time marijuana strains result pesticide-positive in Oregon
Oregon had also issued a health alert for two marijuana strains proved to be tainted with pesticides in October 2016, but at that time no recall was made. The marijuana strains were sold in a dispensary in McMinnville. Pesticides have always been used to combat plagues in crops, but with the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Oregon (in 2015), tougher policies are needed to ensure consumer’s health. The health alert led to the Oregon Health Authority issuing an order stating that all lab testing marijuana must be state-authorized.
Although the legalization was made in 2015, it was just until fall of 2016 that the first retail dispensaries opened for business. The Blue Magoo recall is a reminder that clearer laws and policies need to take place in Oregon. Marijuana is illegal at federal level, and it is classified as Schedule I Substance (the same classification for heroin), so the state has to be careful when drafting regulations for the recreational plant.
“There have been no reports of illness. The possible health impact of consuming marijuana products with unapproved pesticide residues in unknown,” wrote the OLCC in the statement. “Short and long-term health impacts may exist depending on the specific product, duration, frequency, level of exposure, and route of exposure. Consumers with concerns about their personal health should contact their physician with related questions.”
Retail selling ‘Blue Magoo’ may face penalization
Buds 4 U may face a penalization for the pesticide residues found on the strain they sold, although OLCC spokesman Mark Pettinger described the retailer as “great” for quickly contacting the commission.
“They get the gold star,” said Pettinger regarding the marijuana dispensary.
The penalty they may face comes for failing to keep proper records of the strains sold, which is a Class II violation. The Class II violation, seeing as it would be their first offense, could carry a suspension for ten days and a $1,650 fine. If a dispensary is fined with four Class II violations in a period of two years, it could lead to a permanent closure of the retail shop.
Source: Law Street