Cannabis leaf against pink background. The FDA and FTC are cracking down on companies selling look-alike snacks packed with delta-8 THC, risking kids' safety and public health.

FDA & FTC Wage War On Copycat Cannabis Snacks Loaded With Delta-8 Weed!

The FDA and FTC are cracking down on companies selling look-alike snacks packed with psychoactive delta-8 THC, risking kids’ safety and public health. 😱 #News #Cannabis #ConsumerWarning

Trips Ahoy! Watch out if someone gives you a Double Stuff Stoneo!

ST. PAUL, MN – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued warnings to five companies for selling copycat food products containing delta-8 THC. This action is part of a joint effort to curb the illegal sales of these products.

Delta-8 THC in Familiar Snack Packaging

Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive compound from the Cannabis sativa plant, is being sold in packaging that mimics popular snacks like Froot Loops and Chips Ahoy! cookies.

The FDA is particularly concerned about the potential for these products to be mistaken for regular snacks, leading to accidental ingestion, especially by children.

Cannabis copycat snacks, examples of packaging.
Courtesy: FDA and FTC

Health Risks and Labeling Concerns

The FDA highlighted the risks associated with delta-8 THC products, including unpredictable effects and impurities from the synthesis processes. Inadequate labeling can lead to unsuspecting adults and children consuming these products without realizing they contain a psychoactive substance.

Companies Under Scrutiny

One of the companies, Earthly Hemps, claimed it has not sold any of the implicated products this year. Other companies did not respond to requests for comments. The FDA has given these companies 15 working days to outline how they will address these violations to avoid further legal action.

Ongoing Collaboration to Protect Consumers

The FDA and FTC continue to work together to safeguard consumers from illegal delta-8 THC products. This is not the first time these agencies have issued such warnings; they previously targeted six other companies, resulting in the removal of these products from the market.

Adverse Effects and Statistics

From January 2021 to December 2023, the FDA received over 300 reports of adverse events related to delta-8 THC, including hallucinations, vomiting, anxiety, and loss of consciousness. Nearly half of these cases required hospitalization or emergency care.

National poison control centers reported handling over 10,000 cases of exposure to THC edibles between January 2021 and May 2022. Most of these cases involved children and teenagers, with some resulting in severe outcomes, including one pediatric death.

Cannabis candy and gummies

Urgent Consumer Advisory

The FDA urges consumers to stop using products if they experience adverse reactions and to contact a healthcare provider. Adverse reactions can be reported to the FDA through MedWatch or the Safety Reporting Portal.

FDA’s Commitment to Consumer Safety

Dr. Namandjé Bumpus, FDA principal deputy commissioner, emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting consumer health. The FDA will continue monitoring the market and taking action against companies selling products that pose public health risks.

101 Bizarre, Quirky and Totally Fun Adventures in the Midwest by Jack and Kitty Norton - travel guidebook available now.

Conclusion

The warnings from the FDA and FTC highlight the ongoing efforts to protect consumers from the dangers of mislabeled and potentially harmful delta-8 THC products. The agencies’ actions aim to ensure that companies prioritize consumer safety over profits.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

SHARE This Article With Family And Friends…

Leave a Friendly Comment or Thought