Health Alert: Maine Cannabis Products Recalled Due to Mold and Bacteria

Published on: October 11, 2024

Several cannabis products in Maine were recalled due to concerns of mold and bacteria exposure.

Background of the Recall

In a significant health alert, the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) announced a recall of various cannabis products sold across the state. This action was prompted by safety concerns related to the potential exposure to mold and harmful bacteria.

Products Affected

The recalled products, primarily manufactured by Nova Farms, include:

• Blunts
• Pre-ground adult-use cannabis flower
• Pre-rolls

This recall specifically targets a strain labeled “Frosted Cookies,” and products were distributed to numerous retail locations in Maine, including areas such as Brunswick, Columbia, and Portland.

Health Risks Identified

According to reports from WGME, the OCP detected failures in microbial testing, which included the presence of:

• Aerobic bacteria
• Enterobacteriaceae
• Yeast and mold

Inhaling cannabis products contaminated with unsafe levels of these microorganisms may lead to a range of health issues, including:

• Allergic reactions
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Sinus problems
• Dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms

What Consumers Should Do

If you have purchased any of the affected Nova Farms products, the OCP advises that you either return them to the retailer or dispose of them immediately. To aid identification, each batch is labeled with a batch number, which consumers can use to verify their purchases.

The products recalled were sold between September 17, 2024, and October 8, 2024.

Details of Recalled Products

Strain Information: Frosted Cookies

Below are the details of the specific affected batches:

• Batch Number: 1A40D0300002329000005185
• Dates Sold: September 28, 2024 – October 6, 2024
• Product Types:
  • Single pre-rolls: 1.5-gram and 3-gram
  • 4-pack blunts: 1-gram

• Batch Number: 1A40D0300002329000005191
• Dates Sold: September 17, 2024 – October 8, 2024
• Product Types:
  • 1/8-ounce, 1/2-ounce, and 1-ounce pre-ground flower
  • 0.5-gram, 1-gram, 1.5-gram, and 3-gram single pre-rolls
  • 0.5-gram pre-rolls sold in 5-packs and 56-packs
  • 1-gram single blunts
  • 0.5-gram blunts sold in 4-packs

Retail Locations Impacted

Consumers can find the recalled products at the following stores:

• Budz Emporium – 1995 Medway Rd, Medway, ME 04460
• Camp Cannabis – 470 Auburn Rd, Turner, ME 04282
• Columbia Recreational Marijuana – 265 US-1, Columbia, ME 04623
• Foliage ME – 446 Western Ave, South Portland, ME 04106
• Frosted Fire – 230 Warren Ave, Portland, ME 04103
• Gram’s Five & Dime Cannabis Co. – 36 Moosehead Trail Suite 1, Newport, ME 04953
• Nova Farms Maine – 22 Rockwood Rd, Greenville Junction, ME 04442
• OMG Cannabis Co. – 47 India St Suite C, Portland, ME 04101
• Pot of Gold – 1104 Carl Broggi Hwy Unit A, Lebanon, ME 04027
• River Driver Cannabis Co. – 132 Church Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
• Royal Leaf Apothecary – 415 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769
• Shipwrecked at 420 – 360 Pleasant St, Mechanic Falls, ME 04256
• The Joint.me – 1140 Brighton Ave Suite C, Portland, ME 04102

Conclusion

This urgent recall serves as a reminder for consumers to remain vigilant about the products they purchase. The health risks associated with contaminated cannabis are considerable, and maintaining awareness can significantly reduce the likelihood of adverse effects.

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