Contaminated DIME Mint OG marijuana is recalled as state rakes in over $11m in TPT

This is not the first time such an establishment has recalled a product after contamination.

PUBLISHED JUL 11, 2024

The marijuana industry in its turn sends money into the state's coffers via a 16% excise tax on recreational marijuana sales in addition to the transaction privilege tax (TPT). (Photo: Alesia Kozik)

Phoenix, Arizona: An Arizona marijuana establishment has recalled a product due to possible contamination with the pesticide piperonyl butoxide. This is not the first time such an establishment has recalled a product after contamination: In 2023 the Arizona Department of Health Services noted that another outlet recalled a batch after it tested positive for Aspergillus.

The product being voluntarily recalled is DIME Mint OG concentrate/extract with the batch number MOGBL0405. To date, no illnesses have been reported.

How dangerous is piperonyl butoxide?

Piperonyl butoxide has low acute toxicity in humans. The EPA classifies it as a Category III or IV chemical for acute oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity, which translates to slightly to practically non-toxic. However, direct contact with PBO can cause mild irritation to the skin and eyes.

Can Piperonyl butoxide cause cancer?

The EPA classifies piperonyl butoxide as 'Group C', which means it is a possible human carcinogen based on limited evidence of cancer in animal studies. However, there is no conclusive evidence of carcinogenic effects in humans from typical exposure levels.

Does Marijuana have a contamination problem?

Marijuana contamination incidents are not rare in the US and have involved heavy metals, fungi, and pesticides. This is largely down to poor growing and processing techniques and facilities and the lack of stringent regulatory standards in some states.

For instance, testing in Colorado revealed that marijuana often contained microbial agents like E coli and salmonella, as well as heavy metals absorbed from the soil. Another concern is the use of solvents like butane in the production of marijuana concentrates, which can introduce chemical contaminants.

Arizona and Marijuana: A growing symbiosis

As of 2024, Arizona has issued 169 retail licenses for marijuana establishments. This includes both medical and recreational dispensaries. Proposition 207, which was approved by voters in 2020, also introduced a social equity program to grant 26 additional licenses to individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by previous marijuana laws.

The marijuana industry in its turn sends money into the state's coffers via a 16% excise tax on recreational marijuana sales in addition to the transaction privilege tax (TPT). In June 2024 alone, the state collected $11,443,416 in TPT from marijuana sales. These funds are used for various state programs, including public health and safety initiatives