Hundreds of medical marijuana vape products not approved for inhalation recalled from Pa. dispensaries

Hundreds of vape cartridges sold at medical marijuana dispensaries in Pennsylvania have been recalled because they contain ingredients that weren’t approved for inhalation, state health officials said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday released a list of more than 500 vaporized marijuana products with some “added ingredients” that were not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“What the state is trying to do here is not a thing,” said Meredith Buettner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, according to the Pittsburgh City Paper. “The state is trying to apply a standard that does not exist.”

In an email to medical marijuana patients, the Department of Health announced a recall on these products. The recall stems from a months-long, statewide review of all vaporized medical marijuana products.

“Although some of these added ingredients may be considered safe in other non-inhaled products, patient safety is the top priority of the Medical Marijuana Program,” the email said.

The Department of Health asked all medical marijuana growers and processors to submit information Nov. 16, 2021, regarding “vaporized products containing added ingredients such as externally sourced flavorings or terpenes.”

Health officials notified patients of the statewide review Dec. 1, warning some of the products sold at dispensaries may not be safe for inhalation.

Buettner reportedly told the City Paper she is concerned the state’s recall could push patients to seek products on the illegal market if they can’t get them at their dispensary.