Backpackboyz and Marathon Vapes Pulled in K.U.S.H. Collective Product Recall

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has made headlines once again by revoking the cannabis business license of K.U.S.H. Collective, a Van Nuys-based cannabis company. This decision comes as a significant blow to the industry, affecting popular cannabis brands such as Backpackboyz, Circles, and Marathon Vapes. The DCC also announced an embargo on nearly 200 products, alerting consumers to the risks these products may pose.

This move signals a shift in how California handles regulatory compliance in the cannabis industry. While it’s not the first time a company has faced revocation, the scale of this recall, involving 194 products across 12 brands, is unprecedented. For consumers and businesses alike, this development brings forth concerns about product safety, lab testing, and the integrity of cannabis supply chains.

The License Revocation: What Happened?

The DCC’s investigation into K.U.S.H. Collective revealed several alarming issues. The company failed to demonstrate that its products were being cultivated, processed, manufactured, packed, or stored in licensed facilities as required by California’s Medical and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). Without these assurances, there’s no telling where the products came from, how they were handled, or if they were contaminated.

Among the products flagged in the recall were integrated vaporizers and vape cartridges sold under well-known names like Backpackboyz, Circles, High 90’s, and The Marathon Cultivation. According to the DCC, these products could be “adulterated or misbranded,” meaning they may pose potential risks to consumers.

While K.U.S.H. Collective’s owner, David Shin, has remained silent in response to these allegations, the revocation of the company’s license has left a trail of regulatory violations, including improper labeling, lack of surveillance, and a failure to meet track-and-trace product requirements.

The Recall: 194 Products Pulled from the Shelves

Consumers who purchased products from Backpackboyz, Cloud, Cure Injoy, and several other brands under K.U.S.H. Collective’s umbrella should take note. The DCC’s recall encompasses 194 product SKUs, ranging from vape cartridges to cannabis flower. This recall is not just a slap on the wrist—it’s a stark warning about the importance of transparency and safety in the cannabis industry.

The DCC has probable cause to believe that these products were either contaminated or improperly branded, meaning consumers could be unknowingly using dangerous or substandard products. This action follows previous recalls issued in July for products containing banned pesticides, including chlorfenapyr, a greenhouse pesticide that’s harmful to humans if inhaled or ingested.

The Bigger Picture: Lab Testing and Accountability

One of the most concerning aspects of this situation is the role of cannabis testing labs. Before any cannabis product hits the market in California, it must pass rigorous lab testing. However, K.U.S.H. Collective’s recall included products that had previously passed compliance testing—meaning licensed labs either inaccurately tested the products or, worse, falsified their data.

This puts a glaring spotlight on the integrity of California’s cannabis testing infrastructure. For consumers, it raises an important question: Can you trust that the products you’re buying are safe? For businesses, it underscores the need to carefully vet labs and suppliers to avoid becoming the next headline in a product recall scandal.

Consumer Impact and What Happens Next

For cannabis enthusiasts, the news might feel like a blow, especially for fans of brands like Backpackboyz and Marathon Vapes. Consumers who purchased these recalled products are advised to discontinue use immediately. The recall is a reminder of the importance of purchasing from licensed and reputable sources, even in a legal market.

As for K.U.S.H. Collective, the road to redemption looks bleak. With their license revoked and products pulled from shelves, it’s unclear how or if they will be able to recover from this setback.

The DCC has now revoked 35 provisional and annual licenses in 2024 alone, a sign that California is tightening its grip on cannabis regulations. Whether this will lead to a safer market remains to be seen, but for now, the message is clear: California will no longer tolerate companies that put profits before people.

What This Means for the Cannabis Industry

K.U.S.H. Collective’s downfall is a warning to the cannabis industry at large. Compliance isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers. With increased scrutiny from regulators, cannabis companies must take responsibility for the entire supply chain, from cultivation to the final product. Lab testing, once considered a mere formality, is now under the microscope. Companies must ensure that they are working with reputable labs, suppliers, and distributors to avoid falling into the same trap as K.U.S.H. Collective.

As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect more stringent enforcement of cannabis laws in California. The DCC’s actions reflect a broader effort to clean up the cannabis industry, making it safer and more reliable for consumers.