Michigan CRA Adds Licensee Break-in Reporting Data

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The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) is pleased to announce the addition of valuable new information to its website as stakeholders can now access break-in data that has been reported by licensees to the CRA.

The CRA is committed to transparency with stakeholders and this update will provide data on the number of break-ins that have been reported by licensees per district per month.

This information – which will be updated quarterly – can now be accessed on the CRA website under the Resources tab or on the home page under the Licensing & Statistical Reports.

 

FDA Investigation: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, & Gummies (June 2024)

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Investigation of Illnesses: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, & Gummies (June 2024)

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-diamond-shruumz-brand-chocolate-bars-cones-gummies-june-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Do not eat, sell, or serve any flavor of Diamond Shruumz- Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

All flavors of Diamond Shruumz-brand products:

  • Microdosing Chocolate Bars
  • Infused Cones
  • Micro Dose and Macro Dose Gummies

Symptoms

People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand products reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting.

Stores Affected

Diamond Shruumz-brand products can be purchased online and in person at a variety of retail locations nationwide including smoke/vape shops, and at retailers that sell hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC). The full list of retailers is currently unknown, and FDA recommends that people do not purchase or consume any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, or Gummies from any retail or online locations at this time.

Status

Ongoing. Updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available.

Recommendation

  • Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, or Gummies, and should discard them.
  • Consumers should check their homes and discard these products if found.
  • These products may appeal to children and teenagers. Parents and caregivers should consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children and take extra care to avoid these products being consumed by younger people.
  • Retailers should not sell or distribute any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, or Gummies, and should hold the product in a secure location until additional instructions can be provided on how to return or safely dispose of the product.
  • If you become ill after consuming these products, please contact your healthcare provider and/or call the Poison Help LineExternal Link Disclaimer at 1-800-222-1222. Let them know you have recently consumed the Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and/or Gummies.
  • Healthcare providers should report these illnesses to their local health department and/or the Poison Help LineExternal Link Disclaimer.

Current Update

June 25, 2024

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with America’s Poison Centers and state and local partners, are investigating a series of illnesses associated with eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies.

FDA has been in contact with the firm about a possible voluntary recall, but to date, the firm has not initiated the recall.

As part of this investigation, FDA and state partners have collected multiple samples of Diamond Shruumz-brand products for testing and analysis. Additional sample analysis is ongoing, but as of June 25, 2024 test results for two individual chocolate bars collected from a retail store have identified the presence of the following:

  • Diamond Shruumz Dark Chocolate Bar
    • 4-acetoxy-N,N–dimethyltryptamine (4-acetoxy-DMT, also known as O-acetylpsilocin or psilacetin)
    • desmethoxyyangonin
    • dihydrokavain
    • kavain
  • Diamond Shruumz Birthday Cake Chocolate Bar
    • 4-acetoxy-N,N–dimethyltryptamine (4-acetoxy-DMT, also known as O-acetylpsilocin or psilacetin)

There may be variability in test results across products with different formulations as well as potential variability across lots and batches of the same product. Additional testing for the above Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, along with testing for other Diamond Shruumz-brand products, is in progress. FDA and CDC medical officers are interpreting these test results to understand the health risks of ingesting these chemical substances and to determine the appropriate next steps.

This advisory will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 39
Hospitalizations: 23
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: June 23, 2024
States with Cases: AL, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IN, IA, KY, MD, MN, MO, MT NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN

Product Distribution: Nationwide

CRA Announces New Testing Requirement for MCT Oil

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June 27, 2024 – Today, Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) issued a technical bulletin announcing that MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil will be added as a target analyte for marijuana vape cartridges as part of the Sampling and Testing Technical Guidance for Marijuana Products, effective October 1, 2024.

MCT oil, commonly derived from coconut or palm oil, is primarily used in oral supplements and food products. However, when aerosolized and inhaled, MCT oil may pose dangers to respiratory health. Inhalable marijuana products that fail testing for MCT oil cannot be remediated.

“From a public health and safety standpoint, the potential for adverse effects with MCT oil underscores the importance of safety guidelines for product development,” said CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna. “Michigan’s licensed marijuana businesses must prioritize respiratory safety when formulating or using inhalable products, opting for ingredients that have been thoroughly evaluated for their compatibility with lung health. I look forward to when our new state reference laboratory is up and running, advancing the health and safety of Michigan cannabis consumers with advanced testing for diluents.”

“Several of our retail members have been proactively pulling and testing their inventory to ensure the brands they showcase on their shelves do not contain MCT oil,” said Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association. “Moving forward, this testing will take place before the retailers purchase inventory from producers, easing the burden on retailers and ensuring that the products they sell are safe. Required testing for MCT oil will further protect cannabis customers from vape-related lung illnesses and is a win for both the industry and consumers.”

“I fully support the state’s decision to restrict the use of MCT oil in vape cartridges,” said MiNORML Executive Director Anqunette Sarfoh. “The health and safety of cannabis consumers must always be our top priority. Emerging evidence suggests that inhaling MCT oil can pose serious respiratory risks, and it’s imperative that we take proactive measures to prevent potential harm. By enforcing stricter regulations on vape product ingredients, Michigan is taking a significant step towards ensuring a safer cannabis industry for everyone and we commend the state’s commitment to protecting consumers.”

“I applaud the CRA’s decision to ban the use of MCT oil in all regulated vape cartridges,” said Anton Harb Jr., an Iraq combat veteran and founder of the Veteran Access Program in Michigan. “As the cannabis industry matures, so will the scientific and regulatory safety measures protecting it. This regulatory decision helps ensure the continued safety and well-being of all Michigan cannabis consumers.”

The CRA is committed to evidence-based decision-making when implementing technical guidance for licensed laboratories. As research into marijuana use, safety, and testing advances, the Sampling and Testing Technical Guidance for Marijuana Products may be revised and updated to reflect these changes.

Michigan CRA Issues Recall Bulletin and Product Advisory Bulletin

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May 15, 2024 – In the interest of public health and safety, the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) issued a recall bulletin for 1,098 units of infused pre-rolls produced by Flavor Galaxy LLC (license no. AU-P-000373), located at 21015 John R Road, Hazel Park, MI 48030.

In its investigation, the CRA discovered that Flavor Galaxy LLC did not submit certain infused pre-rolls for testing in their final form. The statewide monitoring system (Metrc) indicated that the infused pre-rolls only had safety compliance testing for raw marijuana flower and potency and were not tested after Flavor Galaxy LLC added cannabis distillate and/or terpenes to the product. Consumers who purchased a Flavor Galaxy LLC produced infused pre-roll (with AU-P-000373 on the package label) between November 25, 2023, and May 6, 2024, should check the recall bulletin to determine if the product is subject to recall.

In addition, the CRA issued a product advisory bulletin alerting marijuana consumers to marijuana products that were not properly tracked in the statewide monitoring system (Metrc) by Flavor Galaxy LLC. In its investigation, the CRA reviewed Metrc and discovered that Flavor Galaxy LLC added marijuana product to numerous packages of pre-rolls after the packages had been sampled by a licensed laboratory for compliance testing. Metrc information also showed that Flavor Galaxy LLC added marijuana product to numerous packages of vape cartridges after the packages had been sampled by a licensed laboratory for compliance testing. A link to the Metrc tag numbers for affected products can be found in the product advisory bulletin.

Marijuana consumers who have experienced adverse reactions after using these products should report their symptoms and product use to their health care provider. Consumers are encouraged to also report any adverse reactions to marijuana product to the CRA via the Adverse Reaction Form or by phone at 517-284-8599. For more information about the CRA, please visit www.michigan.gov/CRA.

Cannabis Regulatory Agency Issues Reminder Regarding Illegal Sales of Marijuana in Michigan

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April 23, 2024 – Today, Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) reminded licensees and businesses of their roles and responsibilities regarding the selling of cannabis in Michigan.

Under state law, THC is defined to include THCA and marijuana, generally, is defined as cannabis in any form with a THC concentration greater than 0.3%. Therefore, cannabis in any form with a concentration of THC (including THCA) greater than 0.3% is, by definition, marijuana. Under the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA), marijuana and industrial hemp have the same meaning as defined in the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA).

If law enforcement identifies an unlicensed business selling cannabis in any form with a concentration of THC (including THCA) greater than 0.3%, they can seize the product and the offenders may be subject to criminal charges.

“A person not licensed under the MRTMA or MMFLA who sells marijuana or possesses marijuana in quantities greater than allowed by statute is in violation of state law and the CRA will refer potential criminal complaints to the Michigan State Police,” said CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna. “We work shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement to ensure the health and safety of cannabis consumers in Michigan.”

“The Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Section of the Michigan State Police is a key strategic partner of the CRA, and we are committed to investigating retailers who would offer for sale marijuana products and derivatives in violation of state law,” stated D/F/Lt. Thomas Kish, commander of the MSP Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Section. “Further, both the MSP and CRA share health and safety concerns for consumers participating in Michigan’s licensed adult-use market and we will work diligently to do what we can to ensure these products meet all regulatory standards for safety.”

If members of the public witness businesses selling any cannabis in any form with a concentration of THC (including THCA) greater than 0.3%, without a license, or if employees suspect that their employer is selling cannabis in any form with a concentration of THC (including THCA) greater than 0.3%, without a license, they are encouraged to reach out to local law enforcement, the Michigan State Police, or the Cannabis Regulatory Agency.

“[T]he law is clear.” Michigan Supreme Court denies leave to appeal in 1,100 plant cannabis grow operation case

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CRA Warns of Specific Scam Targeted at Michigan Licensed Cannabis Businesses

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The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) is issuing this bulletin to notify licensed marijuana businesses about recent fraudulent activity in the cannabis industry.

This week, the CRA was informed by a CRA-licensed business that they were contacted by an individual claiming to work for the CRA and asking for immediate payment of licensing fees under the threat of license revocation.

The CRA reminds licensees that all communications from the CRA will come through Accela or from a Michigan.gov email address and that the CRA will not call licensees to collect payment of fees. In addition, the CRA reminds licensees that the CRA does not accept alternative payment methods such as Bitcoin.

Licensees are encouraged to have their staff verify the validity of a call or text with a manager or owner before processing any payments to an individual claiming to be from the CRA. Licensees and applicants are reminded that the administrative rules require they notify the CRA and local law enforcement within 24 hours of becoming aware – or within 24 hours of when they should have been aware – of the theft or loss of any product or criminal activity at the marijuana business.

Incidents of fraudulent activity or attempted fraudulent activity that coincide with the above themes should be reported to the CRA using the online reporting form process and should be reported to local law enforcement. Questions can be sent to the Cannabis Regulatory Agency Field Operations Section at CRA-CSS@michigan.gov.

FY25 Budget Recommendation – elimination of monthly Metrc subscription fee

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LANSING, MI – February 16, 2024: Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) Executive Director Brian Hanna applauded Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Executive Budget Recommendation, which includes additional support for the agency’s initiatives.

This year’s budget is balanced, fiscally responsible, does not raise taxes on Michiganders, and contains support for key CRA initiatives, including:

  • Eliminating the monthly subscription fees that licensees currently pay to access the statewide monitoring system
  • Increased support to combat illicit activity in the cannabis market
  • Improved enforcement efforts and workload management within the Licensing Division
  • Reducing wait times for fire safety inspections

“We are excited to continue moving forward with support for our key initiatives, which stakeholders have indicated are important for a thriving and growing cannabis market,” said Hanna. “By removing the burden and cost of the monthly subscription to the statewide monitoring system, the CRA is investing in the stability and long-term success of the legal market. Increased support for combating illicit activity, improving enforcement efforts, and increasing safety with fire inspections will help us continue to support our state’s licensed businesses.”

“We applaud Governor Whitmer for putting forward a comprehensive budget for our program that will address a number of urgent requests from our members,” said Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MiCIA). “The budget contains several important allocations that will increase safety, reduce businesses’ regulatory costs, and increase profitability for law abiding operators by increasing enforcement against illicit activity in our market. As we work toward the continued improvement of our industry, we appreciate the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency’s willingness to listen to our concerns and take action to address them.”