An embargoed product is in a holding pattern until the courts can determine whether OMMA has the authority to seize and destroy the product in question.
A recall occurs once we have confirmation that a product has been sold to patients and meets one of the below criteria:
1) exceeds allowable testing thresholds set forth under our rules;
2) is the subject of an embargo or a derivative thereof;
3) fails to meet the standards set forth in our rules.
Put another way, if a product has been embargoed, a business (including a dispensary) cannot engage in any commercial activity with that product. They can't sell it, distribute it, transport it, dispose of it, etc. They must also tag the product so it's obvious the product is under an embargo.
If a product has been recalled, the product needs to be destroyed and the businesses who have sold the product (either to patients or other businesses) are responsible for assisting with the recall in any way they can. Patients or caregivers who have purchased a recalled product need to contact the dispensary from which they bought the item to determine how they should move forward in assisting with the recall.