A batch of marijuana harvested in June 2024 has prompted a recall after testing positive for pesticide contamination. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) announced on December 23 that the “Gary Payton” strain, produced by Lopaka Farms LLC under the Atlas Farms brand, was sold at two dispensaries in Portland and one in Salem starting in July. The OLCC is actively working to remove the affected product from all retail locations.
This isn’t the first issue for Atlas Farms, which was fined by the OLCC in June 2021 for failing to verify that several employees held valid marijuana worker permits. The recall was initiated after tests conducted on July 16 detected traces of imidacloprid, a pesticide known to emit toxic nitrogen oxides and chloride vapors when heated, as indicated by the National Library of Medicine. An investigation is currently underway to determine how this contaminated product reached consumers.
Imidacloprid interferes with nerve signaling and disrupts normal nervous system function, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. While no health complaints have been reported, exposure to the pesticide can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, and breathlessness. Consumers who purchased the recalled product are advised to dispose of it, and approximately three pounds of the tainted product remain on the market. Those with health concerns are encouraged to contact the Oregon Poison Center or consult a medical professional.
The OLCC’s investigation into how the contaminated product reached retail locations is crucial to prevent future occurrences. This includes examining the production processes at Lopaka Farms and determining whether proper safety protocols were followed. The agency’s previous actions against Atlas Farms indicate a history of compliance issues, which may suggest broader concerns about regulatory adherence within the company.
