Class-action launched against Canopy Growth over pesticide in Medical Marijuana

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on March 21, 2017.

Canada's largest publicly traded medical marijuana producer, Canopy Growth, and its subsidiary Mettrum are facing class action lawsuits by a Halifax-based law firm Wagners , after recalling marijuana product that tests confirm contained banned pesticides.

The lawsuit alleges that Mettrum used unauthorized pest control products in the production of some of its medical marijuana products between September 2014 and November 2016. It also alleges that the company failed to pay refunds to its customers.

A Nova Scotia man listed in the proposed suit said he became violently ill and unable to keep food down after taking federally regulated medical marijuana purchased from Toronto-based Mettrum Ltd. Others claimed that they became bedridden, stricken by nausea and suffered bouts of “scary” breathing difficulties, among other symptoms after using the products.

The lawsuit seeks millions in damages on behalf of individuals who purchased the affected medical marijuana products.

Health Canada spokesperson Anna Maddison said, “During its inspection of Mettrum, it was discovered that a foliar plant spray was being used, which contained a pesticide that was not identified on the product’s label, and which is not authorized for use on medical marijuana.”

Responding to the class action, Canopy Growth issued a statement saying “the company was, and continues to be satisfied with Health Canada’s independent decision to classify the Mettrum recall as a Type III recall, defined as ‘a situation in which the use of, or exposure to, a product is not likely to cause any adverse health consequences.”

The company says it will defend itself vigorously against all suits relating to the Mettrum recall.

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