Missouri state cannabis regulators have issued a recall after random testing found aspergillus, a common form of mould, in a batch of pre-rolled joints produced for retail sale. The product involved is the Juicy J’s cherry limeade infused pre-rolls, according to the recall notice.
What regulators found
The recall notice explains that aspergillus is “a common mould that can be tolerated in small amounts by healthy individuals but may cause adverse health effects in high amounts or in individuals with compromised immune systems.” The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation said no adverse reactions have been reported so far and that it is working with the Ellisville-based manufacturing facility to address the issue.
This incident follows moves by the state last year to double-check the work of licensed testing laboratories to identify potential problems with mould, pesticides and other contaminants. Mould has been a recurring concern raised by cannabis testing experts.
Questions about laboratory testing
At an MJ Unpacked cannabis conference panel in 2024, testing experts discussed information obtained under the Missouri Sunshine Law showing that 82% of the state’s cannabis testing is carried out at a single licensed laboratory, identified in the data as “Lab D.” The data drew attention because the laboratory reported an aspergillus failure rate of just under 0.5% — roughly one-eighth the national average.
| Group | Aspergillus failure rate |
|---|---|
| Lab D (Missouri) | ~0.5% |
| Other Missouri labs | 3.3% |
| National average | 3.8% |
The disparity prompted concerns that some products might not be adequately screened for mould. Yet Ryan Bernard, manager of the division’s testing and research unit, told The Independent that the data did not alarm him:
“Everybody’s being held to the same standards as far as testing is concerned.”
Manufacturer and ownership
The manufacturer of the recalled Juicy J’s products is owned by CCMRB Processing LLC. The company’s owners also lead the Michigan-based cannabis business Common Citizen, according to reporting. The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation has said it is engaging with the Ellisville facility that processed the product to resolve the contamination concern; an immediate response from the manufacturer was not available to the reporting outlet.
Local consequences and wider context
Although this recall is centred in the United States, it is a reminder of the complexities of regulating consumer products that are also medicinal in many jurisdictions. For people who use cannabis products — whether for medical reasons or recreationally where permitted — the presence of aspergillus is not an abstract risk. In healthy adults small amounts may be tolerated, but for people with impaired immunity or certain respiratory vulnerabilities the presence of pathogenic moulds can pose a serious health risk.
- Immediate action: The Division of Cannabis Regulation has recalled the affected pre-rolls and is working with the manufacturer.
- Health reports: Officials say no adverse reactions have been reported to date.
- Oversight focus: The episode has reopened scrutiny of laboratory testing practices and the concentration of testing at a single lab in the state.
For communities here in Wales, and in Mold in particular, the episode is a useful prompt to consider how product testing and regulatory oversight operate, whether for cannabis where legal elsewhere or for any consumable goods. Ensuring testing is robust and transparent matters to public safety, and the Missouri case underlines the consequences when questions over testing standards are left unresolved.
The recall continues to be handled at state level in Missouri. Regulators have emphasised compliance with testing standards and said they will take steps to remediate the problem with the facility that produced the affected pre-rolls.
