Mary Jones, the cannabis beverage division of Jones Soda, has denied claims from California health officials that its hemp-based THC beverages are unsafe.
Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned consumers not to drink Mary Jones hemp-infused soda. The agency said the products are illegal, inaccurately labeled, and contain prohibited intoxicating ingredients.
“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. “We continue to work with partners across the state to help protect our communities, especially our youth, from illegal hemp products.”
Mary Jones shot back and said its hemp-based delta-9 (HD9) sodas in California are in compliance with California regulatory requirements.
“Our products are created with licensed, experienced third-party industry partners following the protocol required by the state. We are also an active member of the Hemp Beverage Alliance with other hemp-based beverages, helping to build a safe, thriving and ethical hemp beverage industry,” the company said in a statement. “There have been no safety issues with our products despite multiple millions of beverages sold. We are eager to work with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to rectify the recent advisory about our HD9 sodas and help support the state in advancing hemp beverages.”
Industrial hemp products are legal in California but are prohibited under state law from containing THC isolates. The CDPH said it confirmed through laboratory testing that Mary Jones sodas are mislabeled and violate state law by containing Delta-9 THC isolate.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has asked agencies to crack down on the sale and distribution of hemp products deemed illegal under state law. Since Jones Soda has not issued a voluntary recall of these products, CDPH issued a notice of violation to the company last month. The company may face additional enforcement action, including civil or criminal penalties, as are retailers that continue to sell Mary Jones products.
