SACRAMENTO, Calif (FOX26) — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning consumers not to drink a hemp-infused soda, which has been identified as containing prohibited tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isolate ingredients.
The product is named Mary Jones.
Because these illegal products are inaccurately labeled and contain prohibited intoxicating ingredients, they pose a risk to consumers.
“California simply will not tolerate the distribution and sale of unsafe, mislabeled, and illegal products that put the health of the public at risk,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomás J. Aragón.
Aragon also said, “We continue to work with partners across the state to help protect our communities, especially our youth, from illegal hemp products.”
Industrial hemp products are legal in California but are prohibited under state law from containing THC isolates.
The state confirmed through lab testing that Mary Jones sodas are mislabeled and violate state law by containing Delta-9 THC isolate.
The CDPH says Californians should do the following: Any consumers experiencing ill effects after consuming these products should consult their healthcare provider. Anyone finding these products for sale should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 or submit an electronic report here.
The CDPH also said California is taking action, saying in a statement.
“Governor Gavin Newsom recently directed CDPH and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to issue notices addressing the sale and distribution of illegal hemp products that put the health and safety of Californians at risk”.
The state is also seeking to ensure compliance with existing laws to protect Californians, particularly youth, from mislabeled and potentially harmful hemp-infused, particularly youth, from mislabeled and potentially harmful hemp-infused products.
CDPH also indicated that they are working closely with other departments to find, test, and remove these products and partnering with local health jurisdictions to educate the public on these products and what to do if they see or have consumed them.
Currently, Jones Soda Company, based in Seattle, Washington, has not issued a voluntary recall of these products.
CDPH issued a notice of violation to the California distributor of Mary Jones beverages earlier this month.
They say the distributor is subject to additional enforcement action, including civil or criminal penalties, as are retailers that continue to sell these products.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning consumers not to drink hemp-infused soda, which have been identified as containing prohibited tetr Read More