Maine issues second cannabis recall for mold, yeast issues

Maine officials issued a health and safety recall for cannabis products sold at a string of adult-use retail stores across the state.

The state’s Office of Cannabis Policy announced last week that pre-ground flower, pre-rolls and blunts produced by Nova Farms failed microbial, yeast and mold testing. The products, sold under the strain name “Frosted Cookies,” were available between Sept. 17 and Oct. 8, according to the recall notice.

“The recall was initiated following an investigation into data irregularities between mandatory test results reported to OCP and subsequent audit testing conducted by the office,” the agency said in a statement last week.

It added that the state’s inventory tracking system helped identify and isolate potentially contaminated products. The recall affects products with batch numbers ending in 5185 and 5191. Consumers are advised to return or dispose of those items.

“OCP’s investigation into the cause and scope of this contamination is ongoing,” regulators said.

Officials warn that inhaling contaminated cannabis can cause various health issues, including respiratory problems and flu-like symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms after using the affected products should contact their physician immediately.

This is the second cannabis recall in Maine’s history, following the state’s first-ever safety recall of cannabis products just last month.

The affected stores are:

• Budz Emporium, Medway
• Camp Cannabis, Turner
• Columbia Recreational Marijuana, Columbia
• Foliage ME, South Portland
• Frosted Fire, Portland
• Gram’s Five & Dime Cannabis Co., Newport
• Nova Farms Maine, Greenville Junction
• OMG Cannabis Co., Portland
• Pot of Gold, Lebanon
• River Driver Cannabis Co., Brunswick
• River Driver Cannabis Co., Lisbon
• Royal Leaf Apothecary, Presque Isle
• Shipwrecked at 420, Mechanic Falls
• The Joint.me, Portland