Cannabis Recalls in Colorado Reach Record Number of Retailers in 2025
Record Cannabis Recall Highlights Growing Safety Concerns Across Colorado
Colorado’s marijuana industry is facing a wave of product recalls that have affected more retailers than ever before, raising questions about product safety, regulatory oversight, and the financial pressures facing cannabis operators. According to a recent analysis by Colorado Public Radio (CPR), a total of 465 marijuana retailers have sold products later recalled in 2025. This marks the highest number of affected stores in at least two years and underscores a troubling trend as cannabis sales and prices continue to slump.
One of the Largest Recalls in State History Impacts 172 Retail Stores
On September 9, state regulators issued one of the largest recalls in Colorado cannabis history. Products sold at 172 cannabis stores were pulled from shelves after testing revealed contamination with aspergillus fungus or unacceptable levels of yeast and mold. The affected batches of flower and pre-rolls were produced by 710 Labs, a well-known cannabis company. While the company did not respond directly to CPR’s inquiries, 710 Labs posted on its website that the products in question had passed initial testing before being recalled.
Growing Number of Stores Affected by Cannabis Recalls in 2025
The scale of recalls in 2025 represents a sharp increase compared to prior years. While some dispensaries appear multiple times because of separate recall events, CPR’s analysis found that 465 stores have been impacted by recalls so far this year. By comparison, 333 stores were affected in 2023. Colorado regulators, however, do not track or publicly disclose the total volume of cannabis recalled annually, leaving industry observers to rely on recall notices to gauge the scope of the issue.
Mold and Fungus Concerns Prompt Major Cannabis Recall of 710 Labs Products
The September recall involved eight batches of flower and pre-rolls, all of which tested positive for either aspergillus contamination or mold and yeast levels above state-mandated limits. Aspergillus is a type of fungus that can pose serious health risks, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems. Contamination issues such as these highlight the importance of rigorous testing and quality control measures, especially in a state where cannabis is widely consumed both recreationally and medicinally.
Previous Cannabis Recalls Show Broad Scope of Safety Issues in the Industry
The September recall was not an isolated event but part of a broader trend of cannabis recalls throughout 2025. Earlier in the year, several other products were pulled from store shelves:
June 2025: Smokiez edible products were recalled from 85 stores after testing showed pesticide levels above state limits.
August 2025: Clearview Industries recalled vaporizer products due to excessive pesticide levels detected during testing.
Early 2025: Bud & Mary’s Cannabis products were recalled from 58 stores after yeast and mold levels exceeded allowable thresholds.
These incidents reflect a pattern of product safety failures affecting both plant-based and manufactured cannabis items across Colorado.
Falling Cannabis Prices Raise Fears of Operators Cutting Corners
Industry observers and safety experts warn that the financial struggles of Colorado’s cannabis sector may be contributing to the rise in recalls. Wholesale cannabis prices in the state fell to an all-time low in September, creating mounting pressure on operators to reduce costs. Some analysts fear that this economic climate may encourage businesses to cut corners in cultivation, processing, or testing practices. Plummeting prices, paired with declining sales, place additional strain on companies trying to remain competitive in a crowded market.
Colorado Cannabis Sales Continue to Decline Since Record 2021
The recall surge comes at a time when cannabis sales are already lagging in Colorado. In 2024, licensed marijuana retailers reported $1.4 billion in sales, a significant 37% drop from the state’s record $2.2 billion in 2021. With consumer demand weakening and product prices falling, many businesses are struggling to maintain profitability. The growing number of recalls may further erode consumer trust in cannabis products, adding another challenge for retailers and manufacturers alike.
Regulatory Oversight and the Limits of Transparency in Colorado Cannabis Recalls
While Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) has the authority to issue recalls and oversee compliance, it does not publicly disclose the total volume of cannabis recalled each year. Instead, only recall notices are published, which makes it difficult to fully understand the scope of contamination issues across the state. Industry advocates argue that more transparency could help rebuild consumer trust, while critics suggest that the lack of detailed reporting leaves both regulators and consumers at a disadvantage.
Health Risks Associated With Contaminated Cannabis Products Remain Serious
The recalls highlight the health risks posed by contaminated cannabis products. Mold, yeast, pesticides, and fungi like aspergillus can have dangerous effects on consumers, particularly those who use cannabis for medical purposes. While many consumers assume legal cannabis is rigorously tested and therefore safe, the growing number of recalls suggests vulnerabilities in the testing and production process. This raises questions about whether current regulatory frameworks and enforcement practices are sufficient to ensure product safety.
Future Implications of Cannabis Recalls for Retailers and Consumers in Colorado
The trend of increasing cannabis recalls in Colorado is likely to have lasting effects on the state’s marijuana industry. For retailers, recalls mean lost revenue, damaged reputation, and potential fines. For consumers, repeated recalls may weaken confidence in the safety of cannabis products, even when purchased from licensed dispensaries. As the industry continues to face economic headwinds, maintaining strict safety standards will be critical to rebuilding trust and stabilizing the market.
Colorado Cannabis Recalls Signal a Warning for the Industry
With recalls affecting more cannabis retailers in 2025 than ever before, Colorado’s marijuana industry finds itself at a crossroads. Falling prices and sales, combined with mounting safety concerns, highlight the urgent need for stronger quality control measures, improved transparency, and vigilant regulatory oversight. For both businesses and consumers, the message is clear: product safety cannot be compromised, even in a struggling market. The future of the industry depends on learning from these recalls and taking steps to prevent them from becoming the norm.
