THC-infused snacks with familiar-looking labels seized around the state
A Secretary of State-led enforcement has swept $224,000 worth of THC-infused gummies and snacks that mimic the look of legitimate snack brands off store shelves in North Carolina. The counterfeits had labels that resembled Skittles, Cheetos, Lifesavers, and Girl Scout Cookies.
Edibles made from the hemp plant, which contain a weaker level of THC known as Delta 8, 9 or 10, are legal in North Carolina. They don't provide the same high as the THC that gives marijuana its narcotic effect and is illegal in North Carolina.
Edibles laced with THC, the chemical that gives marijuana it narcotic effect, are illegal in North Carolina. Still, products have found their way into stores. That's why correct labels and packages are key. Buyers must look carefully to know what they are getting, and whether it is even legal in the state.
NC Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall said, "Our agents launched this coordinated enforcement effort after seeing a growing trend of THC-infused gummies and snacks concealed in packaging counterfeiting popular snack brands marketed to children. These are brands that kids can easily pick up and consume without knowing what's really in it."
She referred to the recent death of a 4-year-old boy in Virginia who had eaten THC-infused gummies.
On Oct. 27, Roxboro police officers seized dozens of counterfeit candies and snacks containing THC at four local stores. Secretary of State agents worked with the police departments in High Point, Belmont, Clayton, Gaston County, Jacksonville, Selma, Smithfield, Wake Forest, as well as the Wake County Sheriff's Office.
THC-infused snack packaging includes markings that indicate the snacks contain THC in them. Marshall noted that these markings could be overlooked and troublesome due to many counterfeit products resembling brands geared toward kids. The counterfeit snacks were seized from vape shops, convenience stores, and gas stations, which resulted in 23 search warrants and 30 consent searches. The total value of the counterfeited items that were seized was up to $223,824.
Marshall said the sweep was an educational effort for retailers. If undercover officers find the products on the shelves again, the store owners could face charges.
