US regulators have taken action against six US stores in the food and beverage industry for selling THC-infused snacks that resemble popular children’s products.
The six businesses are marketing edible products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued cease-and-desist letters to these stores, stating that the products are being sold in packaging that closely resembles popular snacks and candies consumed by children, such as Doritos, Cheetos, and Nerds candy.
Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, expressed concerns about the marketing of these THC products, emphasizing the importance of responsible and safe marketing practices, especially when it comes to protecting children.
Upon reviewing the online marketing strategies of these companies, the FTC has found that their advertising may violate Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts that pose health or safety risks.
The THC-infused products are designed to resemble various foods that appeal to children. An example highlighted by the FTC is the “Doritos” marketed by Missouri-based Dr Smoke, which features packaging similar to PepsiCo’s Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips.
The Haunted Vapor Room, based in New Jersey, was found to be selling THC products named Rope 500mg Delta-8 Nerds Candy and Medicated Dope Rope Bites, which closely resemble Nerds Rope candy in appearance and packaging, including the Nerds candy mascot.
Janet Woodcock, the principal deputy commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), highlighted the vulnerability of children to THC and the risks associated with consuming these products. The FDA previously issued a warning about the health risks of Delta-8 THC, stating that it has not been approved for safe use.
In addition to the above-mentioned businesses, cease-and-desist letters were also sent to Delta Munchies LLC and Exclusive Hemp Farms in California, Hemp Shoppe in North Carolina, and Nikte’s Wholesale in New Mexico.
The FDA advises consumers to be cautious of delta-8 THC products, as they have not undergone evaluation or approval for safe use. The agency warns that these products may be marketed in ways that put public health at risk and emphasizes the importance of keeping them out of reach of children and pets.
