By Michael Louis, New York Cannabis Operator

When news breaks that a batch of marijuana products is being recalled in a legal state, the reaction from critics is often predictable: “See? Legalization isn’t safe.” But I’d argue the exact opposite. These recalls are proof that the system is doing its job—and that’s something we should be thankful for.

Let’s be real: the black market doesn’t recall anything. You won’t get a call from your dealer saying, “Hey, that last eighth I sold you tested positive for mold, bring it back.” In the illegal market, there are no lab tests, no product tracking, no consumer alerts. If you’re lucky, the worst that happens is a headache and wasted money. But if you’re not? Contaminants, pesticides, mold, heavy metals—these can have serious, long-term effects on your health, and you won’t even know what hit you.

In New York, we’ve had a long, complicated relationship with marijuana. I remember the days when a stop-and-frisk could derail someone’s life over a few grams. Now, we’re in a new era—one where legal dispensaries are opening across the state and products are regulated from seed to sale. And while the rollout has had its bumps, the foundation is solid. Recalls aren’t a sign of failure—they’re a sign that the regulatory framework is up and running.

Take Missouri, for example. In late 2023 and into 2024, the state issued multiple marijuana recalls, including one affecting nearly 50,000 products. Why? Lab irregularities. That might sound scary at first glance, but dig a little deeper and you see it’s actually reassuring. The state’s Department of Health caught it, flagged it, and acted swiftly to remove the affected items. That’s how a functioning public health system should operate.

Then there’s Michigan, where the Marijuana Regulatory Agency has issued several high-profile recalls over the past couple years—some for mold, some for inaccurate potency labeling. These recalls often make headlines and stir up controversy, but they also reflect the fact that products are being tested, tracked, and held accountable. The state even suspended licenses of noncompliant labs. That’s a level of oversight that doesn’t exist in any corner of the underground market.

Let’s not forget about California, either. The world’s largest marijuana market has had its fair share of product recalls, from vape cartridges containing banned additives to flower contaminated with pesticides. It’s not ideal—but it’s also not hidden. Consumers are notified, regulators step in, and companies are held responsible. The black market has none of that transparency, and it never will.

And here’s the kicker: most of the time, these recalls are precautionary. They’re not in response to a wave of hospitalizations or tragic outcomes. They’re proactive. That’s a win.

I get it—no one wants to hear that their favorite pre-roll might be contaminated or that a vape pen got pulled from shelves. But in a legal, regulated environment, you at least have the benefit of knowing. In the black market, you’re gambling every time you light up.

Legalization isn’t about creating a perfect system. It’s about creating a better one. And let’s be honest: for decades, prohibition created a thriving underground industry where products were untested, potency was unknown, and public health was never part of the equation. Today, we have state labs, inspection protocols, licensing requirements, and yes—recall systems.

We also have a chance to build something better. Legal marijuana markets create jobs, generate tax revenue, and reduce unnecessary arrests. They also give consumers rights and protections. If something’s wrong with a product, they can report it. If there’s a contaminant, the state can pull it. That’s what a working system looks like.

Of course, we’ve got more work to do. States need to invest in better lab oversight, improve product tracking systems, and ensure that regulators aren’t just checking boxes. Transparency must be the norm, not the exception. But the fact that these recalls are even possible shows we’re on the right path.

As someone who grew up watching friends get arrested for something that now funds state programs, I’ll take a system that includes recalls over one that includes jail time and contaminated dime bags any day.

Legalization is working. Recalls are the proof. Let’s not confuse progress with failure.