Cannabis Product Recall Procedure and Traceability Checklist

This cannabis product recall procedure and traceability checklist guides facilities through state-mandated or voluntary cannabis product recall processes, including METRC package holds, consumer notifications, retail pull procedures, and destruction documentation. Cannabis recalls can be triggered by failed re-tests, pesticide detection above limits, microbial contamination, or packaging/labeling violations.

  • Industry: Cannabis
  • Frequency: As Needed (Recall Event) / Quarterly Drill
  • Estimated Time: 60-120 minutes (actual recall)
  • Role: Compliance Manager / Quality Manager
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: State Cannabis Mandatory Recall Authority Requirements, METRC Product Hold and Recall Procedures, State Cannabis Consumer Notification Requirements, State Cannabis Product Destruction After Recall, State Cannabis Recall Reporting Timeline Requirements

Recall Initiation

Trigger identification.

  • Recall trigger clearly identified and documented?
  • All affected METRC batch/package IDs identified using traceability data?
  • Recall scope determined — which products, batch numbers, date range affected?
  • State cannabis authority notified within required timeframe?
  • Recall response team assembled — compliance, quality, operations, retail?

METRC Product Hold

State tracking system actions.

  • All affected METRC packages placed on hold / quarantine status?
  • Sold packages traced via METRC to determine retail destinations?
  • All retail licensees who received recalled product notified?
  • Confirmation received from all retailers that product is pulled from sales floor?
  • No further sales or transfers of recalled product occurring?

Consumer Notification

Public and customer notice.

  • State consumer notification requirement assessed and required notifications initiated?
  • Consumer notice content reviewed and approved by legal/compliance before release?
  • Notification delivered through state-required channels (website, media, POS signage)?
  • Known purchasers of recalled product notified directly if identifiable?
  • Customer return/refund procedure communicated in recall notice?

Product Collection and Quarantine

Physical product control.

  • All recalled product physically quarantined in secure, labeled holding area?
  • All returned product weighed and documented as received?
  • Returns from retailers documented and METRC transfer manifests completed?
  • Percentage of recalled product recovered tracked and reported to state?
  • Recalled product clearly separated from compliant inventory?

Recall Product Destruction

Disposal of recalled product.

  • State authorization obtained for destruction of recalled product?
  • Destruction method compliant with state cannabis waste rules?
  • State-required witness present for destruction?
  • Destruction recorded in METRC before or at time of destruction?
  • Destruction documented with weights, method, date, and witness?

Recall Records

Documentation.

  • Complete recall file assembled with all actions, dates, and outcomes?
  • Final recall report submitted to state cannabis authority?
  • Root cause investigation completed to prevent recurrence?
  • Corrective actions implemented and documented?
  • Recall Procedure Notes

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Why Use This Cannabis Product Recall Procedure and Traceability Checklist?

This cannabis product recall procedure and traceability checklist helps cannabis teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for compliance manager / quality manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: as needed (recall event) / quarterly drill.

Ensures compliance with State Cannabis Mandatory Recall Authority Requirements, METRC Product Hold and Recall Procedures, State Cannabis Consumer Notification Requirements, State Cannabis Product Destruction After Recall, State Cannabis Recall Reporting Timeline Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Cannabis Product Recall Procedure and Traceability Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Recall Initiation, METRC Product Hold, Consumer Notification, Product Collection and Quarantine, Recall Product Destruction, Recall Records. It is designed for cannabis operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed as needed (recall event) / quarterly drill. Each completion takes approximately 60-120 minutes (actual recall).

Who should use this Cannabis Product Recall Procedure and Traceability Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Compliance Manager / Quality Manager professionals in the cannabis industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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