Federal Agencies Call Out Companies Making Delta-8 Products That Resemble Kids’ Treats
Source: https://www.wcpo.com/news
The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Cannabis Control issued a consumer alert due to Delta-8 THC edibles designed to look like popular children’s snacks. This follows federal cease and desist letters sent to several companies, including one to Life Leaf Medical CBD Center in South Carolina for selling a product resembling Nerds Rope candy. Although none of the five companies receiving the letters are based in the Tri-State area, similar products are available locally.
There have been several incidents in the Greater Cincinnati region this year where children became ill or hospitalized after consuming Delta-8 or THC-laced products. In a previous incident, an 8-year-old in Northern Kentucky was hospitalized after consuming a Delta-8 gummy mistaken for candy. In February, two Colerain Middle School students were hospitalized after ingesting cannabis-infused gummy bears. In Westwood, four children accidentally consumed THC-laced candy at a YMCA camp in April, requiring guardians to pick them up, though they were not hospitalized. In May, a Boone County man and woman faced charges after a 4-year-old girl was found unconscious from consuming a THC gummy, highlighting the potential dangers of such misleading packaging.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recently sent cease and desist letters to companies for producing Delta-8 products that resemble popular snacks for children. This is the second consecutive year such letters have been issued; in 2023, six companies received similar letters for products mimicking Doritos, Nerds Rope candy, and Cheetos.
Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio has called for legislation to ban the sale of Delta-8 products to minors, citing a loophole that allows these products to be sold as hemp without proper labeling and age restrictions like marijuana. In contrast, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear implemented an executive order in 2022 to regulate the packaging and sale of Delta-8 products in his state. Companies receiving the cease and desist letters must respond within 15 days to outline the steps they are taking to address the FTC’s concerns.
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