California health officials are raising the alarm about a trendy cannabis-containing soda they say could pose serious health risks. According to the KTLA, the California Department of Public Health has pinpointed Mary Jones hemp-infused sodas as containing "prohibited intoxicating ingredients," specifically THC isolates not allowed in the state.
The buzzkill news comes after tests confirmed the presence of THC isolates in these sodas, which are derived from hemp and not marijuana, making them legal at the federal level but a no-go in California. State officials, including CDPH Director Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, have taken a firm stance, "California simply will not tolerate the distribution and sale of unsafe, mislabeled and illegal products that put the health of the public at risk," he declared.
The state has been cracking down on these beverages, with the governor recently instructing agencies to get a handle on the sale and distribution of such illegal products. Public health officials have underscored the dangers for consumers, particularly younger ones, who might unknowingly drink these THC-laced sodas and experience unintended side effects or worse.
Anyone who has imbibed Mary Jones and feels off-kilter is advised to immediately contact their doctor. The warning extends to all flavors and THC levels of the product, and Californians are urged to report sightings of these sodas by calling the CDPH Complaint Hotline or filing a report through their website. Meanwhile, the Seattle-based Jones Soda Company, has yet to issue a voluntary recall of the beverages, despite the stern warning and notice of violation served to the California distributor of these drinks earlier this month.
Among the varieties floating around are the Orange & Cream, Berry Lemonade, Green Apple, and Root Beer hemp-infused sodas, all available in 5 mg and 10 mg THC amounts. These products have spread across California and are even up for grabs online, broadening the reach and potential impact of this bubbling health concern.
