Nevada Consumers Advised to Avoid Cannabis Flower That Tested Positive For Aspergillus

Cannabis consumers in Nevada have been advised by the state’s cannabis regulator to avoid or “take caution” when consuming a “Dancing Monkey” product.

According to the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB), the flower tested positive for Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that can cause disease in individuals with an immunodeficiency.

In a public health and safety notice published on June 23, the CCB said the Dancing Monkey sample, submitted by the manufacturer, Phantom Farms, initially passed testing. Later, however, the lab that had tested the product learned that its testing reagents may have caused a false test result. Upon retesting, the batch was determined to be positive for Aspergillus. The lab, Certified Ag Lab, then notified the CCB.

“There is no reason to believe the laboratory was aware the cannabis was actually positive for the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus at the time they reported the negative results,” the CCB wrote in its notice.

“There is also no reason to believe the cannabis sales facility had any knowledge of the presence of A. fumigatus in the affected cannabis package.”

The products were sold at Silver State Relief dispensary (Fernley, Nevada) between May 9 and May 21. The retailer has been requested to display the public safety bulletin in a “conspicuous location” on its premises for 30 days to raise awareness among consumers.

As of June 23, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the affected cannabis flower.