Colorado is grappling with one of its largest cannabis recalls in recent memory, with regulators ordering products pulled from 172 retail locations across the state. The affected items—flower strains and hash-infused pre-rolls produced by 710 Labs—tested above acceptable limits for mold and yeast, raising questions about industry oversight and product safety.
Although officials have not confirmed whether this constitutes the largest recall in state history, 2025 has already seen a significant surge in such actions. So far this year, 465 stores have been impacted by recalls, surpassing the total number recorded in all of 2023.
Products and Industry Fallout
The recalled batches were sold under well-known brand names such as Marshmallow OG, Rick Jamez #3, and Persy Doink pre-rolls. 710 Labs has said the products passed initial testing earlier in the supply chain, but subsequent checks at retail outlets revealed unsafe microbial levels.
The timing is particularly difficult for Colorado’s cannabis sector, which is already contending with an oversupply problem. Rapid expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic created a glut in production, driving down both wholesale and retail prices. Sales dropped to $1.4 billion in 2024, a steep decline from the $2.2 billion peak in 2021. This downturn has ripple effects beyond the industry, since cannabis tax revenue supports education and drug treatment programs across the state.
Oversight and Transparency Questions
The recall has reignited concerns about how cannabis products are regulated and tracked once they leave testing labs. Many recalls are voluntary, and critics argue that Colorado lacks strong enforcement mechanisms to guarantee that contaminated products are fully removed from circulation.
Researchers and consumer safety advocates have also raised concerns about the absence of “root cause” investigations. Without mandatory disclosure, the public has little information on whether microbial contamination stems from improper drying, packaging flaws, or poor storage and transport conditions.
Some producers have criticized Colorado’s microbial safety thresholds as being too strict, particularly for molds such as Aspergillus. However, experts note that the standards are generally consistent with those enforced in other regulated cannabis markets.
Consumer Guidance
So far, there is no evidence linking these recalled products to widespread illness. Still, public health officials warn that contaminated cannabis poses real risks, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems.
Consumers may find it difficult to identify affected items, as recall notices often use technical batch identifiers alongside brand names. This has prompted calls for clearer labeling standards, more transparent recall notifications, and stronger regulatory authority to ensure consumer protection.
As the cannabis industry struggles with both economic and safety challenges, the latest recall underscores the urgent need for greater accountability, improved oversight, and consistent safety protocols from seed to sale.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
