The Federal Trade Commission has, for the second time, ordered companies selling edible products that contain one of marijuana’s active ingredients to stop selling the edible-like products.
The FTC filed the injunction, alleging that the product’s packaging is “unfair or deceptive,” and that the packaging looks nearly identical to products commonly consumed by children, such as Froot Loops and Chips Ahoy! chocolate chip cookies, according to the FTC.
“Companies selling edible THC products, which can easily be mistaken for snacks or candy, are not only engaging in illegal activities, but are also putting the health of young children at risk,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Companies that put profits above the safety of children are at serious risk of legal action.”
Related article | More than one in ten high school seniors use drugs
The products allegedly contain delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, which the Food and Drug Administration says has psychoactive and intoxicating effects. The FDA said concentrated delta-8 THC is typically made from hemp-derived cannabidiol.
According to the FDA, between January 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, there were 2,362 reported cases of exposure to Delta 8 THC products. Of those, 40% were unintentional exposures to Delta 8, and 82% of these unintentional exposures affected pediatric patients. The FDA reported that 70% of the cases involved a medical evaluation.
The Federal Trade Commission said letters were sent to the following companies: Hippy Mood, Life Leaf Medical CBD Center, Shamrockshrooms.com, Mary Janes Bakery Co. LLC, Miami Rave LLC, and Earthly Hemps.
The FTC said the companies have 15 days to respond to the letter.
In 2023, the FTC sent letters to six companies for the same reasons.
