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In a recent development, Missouri regulators have decided to lift the recall on nearly 15,000 marijuana products, allowing them to re-enter dispensary shelves. This move comes after several months of rigorous review and deliberation. In this blog post, we delve into the details of this recall, the implications for the marijuana industry, and why opting for medical marijuana is still a valuable choice.
The Recall Rollback
After months of uncertainty and recall mandates, Missouri's Division of Cannabis Regulation has taken a significant step by allowing around 15,000 marijuana products to return to dispensary shelves. These products had been in storage since early August, and the decision to release them signifies a potential turnaround for businesses and patients alike.
The decision to lift the recall was preceded by a thorough review of product-tracking records. Missouri regulators meticulously examined these records to ensure that the marijuana products subject to recall contain THC sourced solely from marijuana grown within the Missouri regulated market. This review brought clarity regarding the origin of THC in these products and acted as the basis for the recall rollback.
The Fate of 45,000 Recalled Products
While nearly 15,000 products are set to re-enter the market, the future of the remaining 45,000 products that were recalled on August 14 remains uncertain. Additionally, numerous marijuana businesses are facing the looming threat of significant financial losses if these products are indeed required to be destroyed. The fate of these products hinges on forthcoming decisions and legal proceedings.
Robertsonville-based marijuana manufacturer, Delta Extraction, has sought to challenge the recall and the suspension of its license. The company is appealing to the Administrative Hearing Commission with the aim of not only overturning its license suspension but also rolling back the recall entirely. A trial is scheduled for early December, allowing both the division and the company an opportunity to reach an agreement before the trial commences.
At the heart of the matter lies a crucial question: How were the recalled products created, and does this process pose any risks to public health? The central issue pertains to the way these products were manufactured, and the implications it carries for patient safety.
The Process of Extracting THC from Hemp
The focus of the recall centers around a THC concentrate, often referred to as distillate, which is made partly from hemp. The state initially accused Delta Extraction of introducing "hemp-derived chemically modified 'converted' cannabinoids" into marijuana products. Unlike marijuana, hemp is known for having minimal psychoactive properties. In fact, it was removed from the federal controlled substance list in the 2018 farm bill.
The common method of extracting delta-9 THC from hemp involves a chemical conversion process from CBD, which is the predominant cannabinoid in hemp. This process may employ various chemicals that Missouri marijuana labs do not routinely test for, making it difficult to verify the safety of such products. Moreover, since hemp is no longer a controlled substance, it is not closely monitored by state or federal agencies, creating a regulatory gap.
The Role of Arvida Labs
Arvida Labs, a lab in Florida, played a pivotal role in the recall saga. They explained that their distillate wasn't created using the harsh chemicals as suspected by the state. Instead, it was produced through the same extraction process utilized in the regulated marijuana market. J.J. Coombs, owner and CEO of Arvida Labs, shed light on the process, indicating that it involves the breeding of hemp plants to have higher concentrations of THC-A. Hemp contains minimal THC-A, making it necessary to utilize a substantial amount of hemp to produce THC-A isolate. This process is distinct from the CBD conversion process.
Delta Extraction's leadership revealed that their products had, at one point, employed the conversion process, surprising businesses that had purchased the distillate and believed it to be 100% marijuana-derived. The main concerns stemming from this revelation involve the use of chemicals and the possibility that the hemp was sourced from outside the United States, raising questions about the presence of foreign pesticides that standard cannabis labs do not test for.
The Perspective of Lab Experts
Green Precision Analytics, one of the labs that tested the distillate central to the recall, found no trace of THC originating from a chemical conversion process. The chromatography results did not exhibit the differences typically seen in such cases. Lab experts maintain that the extraction process used for delta-9 THC from marijuana is essentially the same as that used for THC-A from hemp. It's crucial to understand that hemp is a form of cannabis, lacking delta-9 THC.
While the debate and scrutiny surrounding the recall continue, it highlights the significance of making informed choices regarding marijuana. Opting for medical marijuana can offer several advantages, including quality control and personalized treatments. Patients can access expert guidance and strains tailored to their specific needs.
Your Path to Medical Marijuana
If you're considering medical marijuana treatment, the first step is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a doctor or specialist. During your consultation, your medical condition will be assessed, and if medical marijuana is a suitable treatment option, a recommendation will be provided. Following your healthcare provider's recommendation, you'll need to complete and submit a medical marijuana card application to the relevant regulatory agency in Missouri.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the marijuana industry, one constant remains: the value of medical marijuana in providing safe and effective treatments. Patients who choose the medical marijuana path gain access to top-quality products, expert guidance, and the assurance of legality. As the industry navigates challenges like recalls and regulations, medical marijuana continues to stand as a reliable choice for those seeking relief and improved well-being.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri Today!
Although marijuana is now legal recreationally in Missouri, you should still get your medical card. If you have any questions, just give us a call!
There are so many benefits to having your medical marijuana card in a recreational state, including being responsible for less in taxes, saving at dispensaries, and higher possession laws.
If you don’t already have your medical marijuana card, we can help! Our doctors are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. During your evaluation, they will be happy to answer all your questions about how cannabis may be able to help with your anxiety or any other medical conditions.
Schedule an appointment with a marijuana professional online or by giving us a call at
(877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting the relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.
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