Standard Wellness recalls medical marijuana drops

An Ohio medical marijuana company has issued a voluntary recall for its THC-infused water-soluble drops after reports of product contamination. Standard Wellness, based in Gibsonburg, told 15 dispensaries to stop selling all packages of “The Standard Drops” on Saturday.

According to reports, late Friday, patients reported finding dark-colored debris in two bottles of liquid product that had production dates in April and May. Standard Wellness spokesman Brandon Lynaugh said the company learned of the problem after pictures of the drops were posted to social media.

Lynaugh said Standard Wellness has yet to determine what the debris is and what caused it. In June, an employee and patient noticed the drops were congealing and turning opaque. Standard Wellness then added instructions to the label to shake the bottle well and refrigerate after opening.

The company says they’ve included more sterilization procedures, adding “a sterilization bath for all bottles and droppers and we also bake them to ensure full sterilization,” Lynaugh said. The company now recommends patients refrigerate their drops after opening them.

Standard Wellness is offering a full refund to patients who have any amount of unused product manufactured before July 3, when updated sterilization procedures were implemented.

The voluntary recall affects as many as 3,288 bottles of drops. One bottle, which contains 110 milligrams of THC, sells for about $40. The drops are taken orally, mixed with water or another beverage.

The Ohio Department of Commerce halted all sales of Standard Wellness’ drops on Saturday and is investigating the matter. The agency has received no reports of patients falling ill or experiencing other adverse effects.

“Patient safety is of the utmost importance and the Medical Marijuana Control Program is taking this matter seriously to ensure no patient is adversely affected,” said commerce spokeswoman Kelly Whitaker.

Lynaugh said Standard Wellness has not yet determined what the debris is and what caused it. In June, an employee and patient noticed the drops were congealing and turning opaque. Standard Wellness then added instructions to the label to shake the bottle well and refrigerate after opening.

“Out of an abundance of caution and for patient safety, we’ve decided to tell everybody to stop selling them while we figure it out,” Lynaugh said.

The voluntary stoppage and refunds are a first for Ohio’s new medical marijuana program. Sales of dried marijuana bud first began in mid-January, and infused products like the drops hit dispensary shelves in April. All medical marijuana sold in the state has to clear third-party tests for mold, pesticides and other contaminants.

The Ohio Department of Commerce confirmed the drops passed lab testing.More than 45,000 people in Ohio have received a recommendation from a doctor to buy and use medical marijuana for one of 21 qualifying conditions. More than half of those patients have made a purchase at a dispensary.

As of Sunday, Ohio patients have purchased approximately $15.5 million worth of medical marijuana. That total includes 32,528 units of manufactured products like the drops.

Patients should report problems with medical marijuana products to the state’s toll-free help line 1-833-4OH-MMCP (1-833-464-6627).