Cannabis Recall: Banned Pesticide Found in California Product

by: Marc Tesnee

A California-based cannabis company has taken the proactive step of recalling one of its products due to the presence of a pesticide that was banned in 2020. Grizzly Peak Farms, known for its indoor cultivation facilities in Oakland and San Diego, notified state regulators on December 7 about a concerning issue with a batch of their cannabis flower product named “Zoap.” This specific batch, produced and packaged on September 15, was found to contain the pesticide chlorfenapyr.

While the exact duration the contaminated marijuana has been available on the market and the extent of pesticide contamination remains uncertain, this recall has raised serious concerns within the industry.

Back in October 2019, the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), a branch of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), took action to halt the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos throughout California. This decision followed an agreement between regulators and pesticide manufacturers to withdraw their products. Traditionally utilized for termite control and crop protection, chlorpyrifos was widely used but deemed hazardous due to its association with developmental neurotoxicological effects documented in both human epidemiology studies and laboratory animal research. Furthermore, it posed severe health risks, particularly to children.

The ban on chlorpyrifos came into effect in February 2020, effectively prohibiting cannabis growers across the state from possessing or employing any chlorpyrifos-related products after December 31, 2020. A scientific review panel had initially raised concerns about chlorpyrifos’s toxic air contaminants in August 2018, prompting the referral of findings to the DPR.

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) confirmed the presence of chlorfenapyr in the Grizzly Peak Farms product. In response, the DCC initiated communication with affected retailers and distributors as of December 7, issuing a clear directive to cease all retail sales and distribution of the adulterated batch immediately. The notice emphasized that distributing, selling, holding, or offering for sale a tainted cannabis product is unlawful. Additionally, affected companies were instructed to collect, segregate, and quarantine all units of the contaminated flower batch until the recall process is completed. Subsequently, the recalled product can either be returned to the responsible licensee or appropriately disposed of.

A spokesperson from the DCC expressed support for Grizzly Peak Farms’ decision to recall the product, underscoring the importance of safeguarding consumers’ well-being.

Interestingly, Grizzly Peak Farms’ website proudly proclaims the company as pesticide-free and committed to delivering pesticide-free products to consumers. They detail their approach to pest control, emphasizing the use of OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certified solutions and a focus on biological pest control methods. Additionally, the company emphasizes that every batch of their flower undergoes lab testing to ensure the utmost safety for consumers.

It’s worth noting that in 2020, the city of San Diego pursued legal action against Grizzly Peak Farms, seeking nearly $10,000 in penalties and interest. The lawsuit alleged that the company failed to remit taxes on cannabis products delivered to dispensaries within the city between January 2018 and June 2019, stemming from their Oakland location.