New York state cannabis regulators have pulled several marijuana products from shelves this week after pesticide contamination was found in products that had already been cleared for sale. The move throws the state’s cannabis testing system under fresh scrutiny — again.
It’s the second recall in less than a month. This time, the issue stems from East End Flower Farm’s “Harvest” brand, which was tested by a lab that’s since lost its testing privileges. No illnesses have been reported so far, but the reputational fallout is already spreading.
A Second Recall in Weeks Is Raising Eyebrows
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced the recall on July 14, flagging three product lots from East End Flower Farm. The issue? Pesticide residue above legal limits — at least in one batch that was retested. The other two batches weren’t retested at all, but regulators didn’t want to take any chances.
This isn’t just about one farm. This is about trust. When the first recall hit in late June, it caught the attention of growers, dispensaries and consumers. But now a second recall so soon has people asking bigger questions.
And here’s the kicker — both recalls are linked to the same now-discredited testing lab: Lexachrom Analytical Laboratory.
The Lab at the Centre of the Storm
Lexachrom Analytical had been an approved lab, conducting the safety and compliance tests required before cannabis products hit dispensary shelves. But now, its name has been scrubbed from the OCM’s approved list.
The lab is no longer authorised to test marijuana in New York, and the OCM hasn’t minced words about why. In a quiet but firm update to its site, the agency made clear that Lexachrom’s test results could not be relied upon.
That’s a big deal. Because:
-
Cannabis testing in New York is the last line of defence before a product goes to the public.
-
Faulty tests could mean pesticides, mould, or heavy metals end up in the supply chain unnoticed.
-
Once confidence in labs erodes, so does the integrity of the whole regulatory system.
The OCM didn’t say whether Lexachrom’s failures were due to poor procedures, faulty equipment, or something worse. But either way, the damage has been done.
East End Flower Farm Under Pressure
East End Flower Farm, based on Long Island, voluntarily retested one of the three lots. The results came back over the allowable pesticide limit — not a good look. The other two lots weren’t retested, but that didn’t stop the OCM from yanking them too.
It’s not clear why only one lot was retested. Cost? Time? Or perhaps they didn’t want to risk a second fail.
The farm hasn’t responded publicly yet. But industry insiders say this kind of contamination could be devastating for small producers who rely on brand trust and quality to stay afloat in a crowded market.
There was no sign of illness, thankfully. But the reputational hit is already sinking in.
Growing Pains for New York’s Legal Market
New York’s adult-use marijuana market is still in its toddler phase. Legal sales only began in December 2022, and since then, the rollout has been marred by delays, lawsuits, supply issues, and now — lab problems.
Testing labs are supposed to be the most scientific, buttoned-up part of the whole operation. When that breaks down, it makes everything else feel shaky.
Let’s be real: consumers buying cannabis legally expect safety. That’s part of the whole point of regulation. They’re not looking for wild west weed — they want peace of mind.
And with competition from illegal sellers still rampant across New York City and beyond, every scandal like this gives the black market a tiny win.
What Happens Next?
The OCM says it’s reviewing lab protocols, but hasn’t announced any major changes yet. Insiders expect tighter scrutiny going forward — possibly even federal-style inspections.
In the meantime, dispensaries have been told to pull the affected products. Retailers are expected to comply quickly, especially given the reputational stakes.
Here’s a look at the recalled products:
| Brand | Lot Number | Issue Identified | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | 010124-01 | Pesticides above limit | Recalled |
| Harvest | 010124-02 | Not retested | Recalled |
| Harvest | 010124-03 | Not retested | Recalled |
One batch failed. Two more weren’t checked again, but were still pulled as a precaution.
That’s how shaky things are right now.
Trust Issues Could Linger
Consumer trust takes a while to build — and only one bad headline to dent. It’s too early to tell if these recalls will have a lasting impact on public perception, but there’s definitely chatter.
Some dispensaries are taking extra steps, double-checking products even after they pass lab testing. Others are pressing state officials to improve oversight on labs themselves, not just growers.
For now, the OCM is walking a tightrope: act fast, stay transparent, and try to fix the pipeline without stalling it. No easy task.
And the industry? It’s watching every move.