Video: Connecticut AG Warns Of Illegal Cannabis Edibles Packaged To Look Like Children's Snacks

State Attorney General William Tong (D) and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli took part in a public service announcement (PSA) warning about marijuana products packaged to look like common children’s snacks. Produced in partnership with the Connecticut Broadcasters Association, the ad will air on TV and radio for 13 weeks.

"We're still seeing highly potent illegal cannabis products that look like common kid snacks. These edibles are untested and unsafe and can land kids in the hospital. If you see these products, keep them away from children and report them at ct.gov/reportillegalcannabis," Tong stated. "After months of sustained enforcement and public education, we're seeing fewer and fewer of these dangerous illegal products. This PSA is an important next step in those ongoing efforts to protect Connecticut kids."

Illegal look-alike cannabis products pose a unique health threat to children, who may unknowingly ingest high doses of potent psychoactive chemicals. In the regulated adult-use market, edible cannabis products may only be sold in containers that contain a maximum of 100 milligrams of THC and 5 milligrams of THC per serving size. Children who accidentally eat an entire snack-sized bag of "chips" or "candy" may be exposed to more than 100 times the maximum adult serving, reads the press release.

Cafferelli said the DCP was proud to be part of this important educational campaign. “While our teams have worked hard to discourage the sale and distribution of these illegal and potentially dangerous unregulated products, it is also important to make sure children and families in our state are aware of the dangers of consuming these products. This educational campaign will help us spread the word and prevent Connecticut children from accidentally consuming illegal cannabis products that look like common snacks."

Previous Efforts 

This is not the first time, AG Tong has taken action against businesses producing and selling illegal cannabis products designed to look like popular snacks and candies. In Feb. 2023, he sued five state retailers for alleged sales of illegal delta-8 THC products sold in packages designed to attract youth.

According to the press release, some of these previous efforts to stop edibles packaging designed to look like Fritos, Skittles and Airheads were successful. Though the numbers have dropped, these products may still be circulating, including online and in other states and should be reported if found.

Since 2021, the Connecticut Poison Control Center has received hundreds of calls reporting marijuana exposure in children, including cases of children under six years exposed to cannabis edibles. The majority of those cases required treatment at a healthcare facility.

The PSA video comes on the heels of AG Tong suing seven local cannabis businesses alleging violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act in every case, with potential penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation. AG Tong said these businesses have been selling illegal potent, high-THC cannabis.

See Also: FDA Warns About THC Copycat Edibles, Children In Serious Danger

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Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Sen. Richard Blumenthal via Wikimedia Commons and Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels