Cannabis products in Oregon that were previously recalled due to the presence of a pathogenic mold are poised to be granted approval for sale.
Last month, a court decision temporarily suspended state restrictions concerning four strains of the fungus Aspergillus found in marijuana. The cannabis industry had contended that the mold was too prevalent to effectively avoid.
This ruling left over 2,000 pounds of cannabis and 60,000 pre-rolled products in a state of uncertainty, as the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) awaited further guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.
On September 20, the OLCC announced its intention to commence the clearance process for these recalled products, paving the way for their sale.
The agency stated in a press release, "OLCC is working to coordinate the release of any such items that have been on hold in [the state's Cannabis Tracking System]."
While the announcement was celebrated by Mike Getlin, the Board Chair for the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, he expressed frustration over the delay in taking action.
"This should have been done within a matter of days, if not, frankly, hours of the judge's ruling," Getlin remarked. "There are potentially businesses facing hardships even though the court has ordered the removal of this impediment."
The suspension of the state's restrictions is set to expire in February, providing the Oregon Court of Appeals with time to review the arguments put forth.
It is worth noting that Aspergillus spores can lead to fungal infections in individuals with compromised immune systems. However, there have been no reported cases in Oregon linking such infections to cannabis consumption.