California increases efforts to test safety of marijuana sold in the state
SACRAMENTO — For California, 2024 was a record-breaking year for the amount of marijuana products pulled by state regulators due to consumer safety issues.
The state is now increasing efforts to test the safety of marijuana sold in the state.
"We had 63 recalls that affected 259 product lines," said Zarha Ruiz with the Department of Cannabis Control.
Ruiz said state inspectors track cannabis safety throughout the production process.
"Anywhere from cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, or retail," Ruiz said.
Recalled and embargoed items include vape cartridges, beverages, edibles, pre-rolls, and flower products.
Some contained fungus, pesticides and other harmful chemicals like methylene chloride. Other products exceeded THC concentration limits.
"The cannabis regulations are based on health and safety and science and so those rules are meaningful and they protect public health," Ruiz said.
Maisha Bahati, the owner of the dispensary Crystal Nugs, said that state inspectors keep a close eye on the products she sells in her midtown Sacramento store.
"Customers want that. Customers want transparency in their products. They want to know what they're putting in their body," Bahati said. "We as a retailer want to make sure that we are selling products that are safe."
Manufacturers and retailers face fines and suspensions if they don't comply.
"It's important that the state is on top of it," Bahati said. "I appreciate them being on top of it because that puts us in a position where we know we're giving the safest products to our customers."
Last year, the Department of Cannabis Control issued more than 360 disciplinary actions and suspended 230 licenses.
