SACRAMENTO – On May 30, 2024, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned consumers not to drink Mary Jones hemp-infused sodas, which have been identified as containing prohibited tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isolate ingredients. Because these illegal products are inaccurately labeled and contain prohibited intoxicating ingredients, they pose a risk to consumers, according to CDPH.  

“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.” 

Industrial hemp products are legal in California but are prohibited under state law from containing THC isolates. The state confirmed through laboratory testing that Mary Jones sodas are mislabeled and violate state law by containing Delta-9 THC isolate. ​​ ​

The warning follows a recent directive from Governor Gavin Newsom calling on CDPH and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to issue notices addressing the sale and distribution of illegal hemp products that put the health and safety of Californians at risk.

CDPH investigators work to enforce laws that are in place to protect Californians from harm, including laws pertaining to mislabeled and potentially harmful hemp-infused products.

“I would like to thank all the CDPH Food and Drug Branch members who dedicate their time and energy to protect consumers from these illicit products,” said Joel Lambert, president of the California Association of Food and Drug Investigators (CAFI).

CDPH is working closely with other departments to find, test, and remove these products, as well as partnering with local health jurisdictions to educate the public on these products and what to do if they see or have consumed them. 

CDPH issued a notice of violation to the California distributor of Mary Jones beverages earlier this month. The distributor is subject to additional enforcement action, including civil or criminal penalties, as are retailers that continue to sell these products.  ​

​The hemp-infused sodas were manufactured in Michigan and distributed to retailers across California. The illegal hemp products are also available for direct purchase online. The sodas were distributed in 12 oz. cans in four different flavors containing two different THC amounts. All these products are included in the state’s warning and should not be consumed.​

For more information:
CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Drink Illegal Mary Jones Hemp-Infused Sodas