Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert warning residents about industrial hemp-infused edibles that often mimic popular food brands. These products may contain high levels of THC and are packaged similarly to well-known brands like Cheetos, Fruity Pebbles, and Sour Patch Kids. Bonta advises Californians to avoid these products and report them if encountered.

"Industrial hemp-infused products designed to resemble popular brands appeal to our most vulnerable – children and teens – and pose serious adverse health risks that we must shield them from," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "At the California Department of Justice, we continue to protect our youth from harm. I urge all Californians to examine the packaging carefully and report any product that seems suspicious."

Governor Gavin Newsom announced new emergency regulations on September 6th aimed at protecting Californians, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of intoxicating hemp products. Effective as of September 23, 2024, these regulations mandate that industrial hemp food products intended for human consumption must have no detectable THC per serving, cannot be sold to those under 21 years old, and may not exceed five servings per package. The affected sections include California Code of Regulations: Title 17 and sections 23000, 23005, 23010, 23015, 23100.

Hemp-infused edible products can mimic major brands such as Oreos and Doritos. They are primarily sold online or at gas stations, smoke shops, and liquor stores. These products are available to children and teens despite often containing THC levels far exceeding legal limits.

Though these illegal products appear similar in packaging to major brands, no leading candy or food companies manufacture or sell cannabis or CBD items. Consumers should look for signs like "medicated," "THC," "CBD," warnings such as "keep out of reach of children and animals," or images of a cannabis leaf.

Intoxicating industrial hemp products pose health risks; children may experience delayed symptoms after ingestion including difficulty breathing or dizziness. Side effects from synthetic cannabinoids include rapid heart rate and psychosis among others. Those suspecting accidental consumption should monitor symptoms closely; California's Poison Control System provides a confidential hotline for assistance at (800) 222-1222 with interpreter services in over 200 languages.

The manufacture and sale of intoxicating hemp-infused edibles is illegal; unlicensed sellers can face prosecution under the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act due to excessive THC levels marketed towards youth.

Illegal product sightings should be reported both locally through law enforcement agencies as well as filed complaints via www.oag.ca.gov/report or with the Department of Cannabis Control at https://cannabis.ca.gov/resources/file-complaint/ or complaints@cannabis.ca.gov.