Dozens of cannabis products in the US have been recalled, including buds and pre rolls, after a dangerous mold that causes lung infections was found.

According to a report by California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), the items may contain aspergillus, a fungus that develops on plants that are improperly dried or kept.

Inhaling aspergillus can result in a variety of health problems, such as bloody coughing fits, asthma attacks, migraines, weight loss, and in severe situations, even death.

In addition to the brain, kidney, and other organs, pulmonary aspergilloma can also affect these areas. The treatment options for this condition include embolization, which involves inserting a needle to stop blood flow, or surgery to remove the infection.

In all, 13 products were subject to mandatory recalls by law, one of which being Northern Emerald’s Tyson Undisputed Cannabis Flower, a product endorsed by boxer Mike Tyson.

The Gelato Orangeade hybrid cannabis flower and 12 additional products between February 21 and May 17 were the subject of a first DCC recall in January due to the possibility of aspergillus. The JC Rad Flower, the UpNorth 3.5 gram flower, and the LAX Packs Premium Flower were among the other cannabis items that were impacted.

Toxic mold typically thrives on decomposing plants, dried grains, and marijuana leaves in environments with constant temperatures about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Aspergillus spores can colonize in the lungs through inhalation, resulting in the creation of a fungal ball known as pulmonary aspergilloma.

The mandatory recall indicates that there is a considerable health risk for consumers, even though the DCC has not reported any serious health complaints relating to the impacted cannabis products.

Customers who bought or used the items are encouraged to check the UID on the package to see if it was included in the recall and to contact their doctor right away if they develop any negative reactions or symptoms.

The DCC advised customers to dispose of the recalled products themselves or return it to the shop for appropriate disposal.

Less than a year ago, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission recalled cannabis flowers after tests revealed the presence of aspergillus and heavy metals like mercury and cadmium.

They were discovered in June of last year, during a regular inventory audit in Oregon’s cannabis monitoring system. According to the agency’s findings, between January and June of 2023, 75 distinct marijuana merchants purchased the impacted products.

Currently, 24 US states permit the sale of marijuana for recreational use, while 38 states permit its medical usage.

The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) declared earlier this week that it would “reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, placing it in the same class as codeine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids with Tylenol.”