Missouri’s Cannabis Regulation Division Recalls Marijuana Products Over Compliance Issues
The Missouri state government’s Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) has issued recalls on marijuana products supplied by three companies operating within the state. This decision, announced in the DCR’s August update, highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance with stringent regulations governing the state’s rapidly growing cannabis industry.
The DCR cited non-compliance with the statewide track-and-trace system, Metrc, as the primary reason for recalling products from two of the companies: Blue Sky Health & Wellness and C&C Manufacturing. The third company, NGWMO, was found to have violated mandatory production processes, leading to the recall of its products as well.
In its statement, the DCR expressed concerns about the inability to verify the safety and compliance of the products distributed by Blue Sky Health & Wellness. The division stated, “DCR is issuing a product recall on marijuana products sold to dispensary and manufacturing facilities by comprehensive manufacturing licensee Blue Sky Health & Wellness. The recalled products were not compliantly tracked in the statewide track and trace system (Metrc) as mandated by 19 CSR 100-1. Therefore, DCR cannot verify compliance with health and safety requirements.”
Similarly, C&C Manufacturing’s products were also subject to recall due to failures in utilizing the Metrc system. The DCR’s decision underscores the importance of stringent adherence to Metrc, which is designed to monitor the movement of cannabis products from seed to sale. This system is crucial for ensuring that all cannabis products meet Missouri’s health and safety standards, protecting both consumers and the integrity of the state’s cannabis market.
NGWMO, the third company involved in the recall, was found to have violated testing protocols required by state regulations. According to the DCR, “The recalled marijuana products were not compliantly tested prior to being sold to patients and consumers. The recalled marijuana product was tested at the unprocessed bud/flower stage rather than being tested at the final marijuana product stage as required by 19 CSR 100-1.” This deviation from required procedures raises significant concerns about the safety and quality of the products that reached consumers, prompting the DCR to take swift action.
In a separate but related development, the DCR also reversed a previous recall issued on products from Delta, another company operating in the state. The initial recall had been based on concerns that the marijuana products in question contained THC sourced from outside the geographical regions stipulated by Missouri’s regulations. However, after a thorough review, the DCR determined that “some of the marijuana products on recall contain THC solely sourced from marijuana grown in the Missouri regulated market.” As a result, the DCR removed these products from the recall list and lifted the associated administrative hold, while continuing to investigate other products still under recall.
These regulatory actions come as Missouri continues to navigate the complexities of its legal cannabis market, which was established following the legalization of marijuana possession in 2022. Under current laws, adults over the age of 21 are permitted to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and home-cultivate up to six flowering plants, six immature plants, and six plants under 14 inches for personal use. Despite the legal status of cannabis, public consumption remains prohibited, with violators facing civil penalties of up to $100. Nevertheless, some public areas have been specifically licensed by authorities to allow smoking marijuana, reflecting the state’s evolving approach to cannabis regulation.
Missouri’s cannabis industry is also experiencing growing pains as it adapts to both the demands of a burgeoning market and the regulatory scrutiny that accompanies it. The state’s governor, Mike Parson, recently issued an executive order targeting edible marijuana products, specifically mandating the removal of all hemp-derived THC edibles and beverages from store shelves. This move signals a broader crackdown on certain segments of the cannabis market that may pose particular risks to consumers.
Despite these challenges, Missouri’s cannabis market has seen impressive growth. Recent data, although sparse, suggests that the state has likely surpassed the $1 billion mark in cannabis sales since legalization. A report by cannabis market analysis firm Headset, cited in an October 2023 article by Green Market Report journalist Adam Jackson, noted that from February to September alone, cannabis sales in Missouri approached $953 million. This rapid growth places Missouri’s market on par with more established cannabis markets in states like Colorado and Massachusetts.
As the state continues to refine its regulatory framework, the actions taken by the DCR serve as a reminder that compliance with Missouri’s cannabis laws is not optional. The recalls underscore the importance of rigorous oversight in maintaining the integrity and safety of the cannabis products available to consumers, ensuring that the state’s cannabis industry can thrive in a manner that prioritizes public health and safety.