AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) has issued an urgent health and safety recall involving NorCO Vape products. The recall focuses on Yani adult-use vape cartridges of the strain “Watermelon Chimera,” which were produced by NorCO Vape (officially known as NorCO Outdoor Cannabis). These cartridges were distributed to 21 licensed adult-use retail stores across Maine, including locations in Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bethel, Carrabassett Valley, Chelsea, Damariscotta, Eliot, Fairfield, Guilford, Lewiston, Milo, Peru, Portland, Presque Isle, Rockland, Stratton, Thomaston, and Waterville.
The NorCO Vape recall follows an investigation launched after a consumer reported an adverse health reaction. OCP testing revealed that the affected NorCO Vape cartridges contained unsafe levels of the pesticide Chlorfenapyr. According to health officials, inhaling cannabis contaminated with Chlorfenapyr may cause high fever, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status.
Consumers who purchased the NorCO Vape Watermelon Chimera cartridges are strongly advised to stop using them immediately. They should either return the product to the retailer or dispose of it safely. Anyone who has already used these products and experiences symptoms should contact a healthcare provider right away or dial 911 in the case of an emergency.
OCP advises consumers to carefully inspect the packaging of their NorCO Vape cartridges to verify whether they match the recalled batch. This step ensures affected consumers can identify and return unsafe products quickly.
The recall applies specifically to NorCO Vape products sold between July 10, 2025, and October 16, 2025, at licensed dispensaries statewide. The OCP emphasizes that safety remains the top priority in Maine’s regulated cannabis market, and recalls like this are a critical safeguard for consumers.
Maine officials are also using this incident to remind both retailers and producers of their obligations under state law. Proper pesticide testing, labeling, and transparency are essential in maintaining public trust in the legal cannabis industry. As NorCO Vape works with regulators to address the issue, it serves as a reminder of how closely quality control and public health are connected in this fast-growing market.
Consumers seeking more information about the NorCO Vape recall can contact the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy directly or check the agency’s official website for ongoing updates. With transparency and vigilance, Maine’s cannabis regulators hope to prevent future incidents like the one involving NorCO Vape, ensuring products remain safe and reliable for all adult-use consumers.
