Michigan cannabis regulator recalls certain Viola edibles for excessive THC
Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency on Wednesday recalled certain marijuana edibles produced by the cannabis company Shango and branded "Viola Grandma's Kitchen."
The recall, which is voluntary and affects a "limited amount of marijuana-infused edible products," was issued because Shango was both unable to demonstrate that the product was homogenous and because the product exceeds the maximum allowable tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the major psychoactive component of marijuana) concentration per serving, the CRA said.
The recalled edibles come in varieties such as "Big Apple Dreaming," "Uptown Espresso," "Paradise Island" and "Auntie's Punch," and are produced by Shango, a vertical cannabis company with operations in Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Michigan, among other states, according to its website.
Nearly 2,200 of the affected products were sold at dispensaries including Information Entropy in Ann Arbor, Shango's dispensary in Hazel Park, Emerald Fire Provisioning Center in Coleman (near Mount Pleasant) and Plan B Wellness Center in Detroit, generally between late May to late July.
Nearly 6,800 of the affected products are on hold at Michigan dispensaries, David Harns, a spokesperson for the CRA, said, meaning they aren't available for customers to purchase.
Viola is a cannabis company founded by the former NBA player Al Harrington, which has a medical marijuana dispensary in Detroit. Viola entered into an agreement with Shango to help fill the demand for Viola edibles, the company said in an emailed statement, and said it came as a surprise that its partner did not share the same commitment it has to adhere to compliance standards.
In the statement, Viola said it cooperated with the investigation, supported the agency's suggestion to recall the edibles and noted that no other Viola products have been subjected to the recall.
An email was not immediately returned seeking comment from Shango.
Homogeneity is important for cannabis edibles because it ensures the THC is spread evenly throughout the product so they deliver a consistent experience.
The products were sold at recreational marijuana dispensaries and the maximum amount of THC per dose allowed is 10 milligrams.
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Customers who have these products in their possession should return them to the marijuana sales location for proper disposal, the CRA said.
Consumers who have experienced adverse reactions after using these products should report their symptoms and product use to their health care providers, the agency said.
Consumers are also encouraged to report any adverse reactions to the products to the CRA by completing an "Adverse Reaction Reporting Form" that can be found on the agency's website or by phone at 517-284-8599, the CRA said.
For the list of the retail locations that sold these products and on which dates, go to Michigan.gov/CRA/Bulletins.
Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan cannabis regulator recalls Viola edibles for excessive THC
