The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a warning to consumers not to drink Mary Jones hemp-infused sodas, declaring the products illegal and potentially dangerous. The health agency advises those who have purchased the sodas to avoid consuming them and urges anyone experiencing adverse effects to seek medical advice.

Illegal and Mislabeled Products

The CDPH stated that the Mary Jones hemp-infused sodas are mislabeled and contain prohibited ingredients under state law. Specifically, the sodas contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isolate, which is banned in California.

“Industrial hemp products are legal in California but are prohibited under state law from containing THC isolates,” the CDPH wrote in its May 30 warning notice. “The state confirmed through laboratory testing that Mary Jones sodas are mislabeled and violate state law by containing Delta-9 THC isolate.”

Consumer Health Risks

The health department warned that these mislabeled sodas pose a risk of unintended cannabis intoxication, potentially leading to illness or injury. The warning pertains to eight varieties of hemp-infused sodas manufactured in Michigan and distributed across California. Sold in 12-ounce cans, the sodas come in four flavors, each available in two THC potencies—5 and 10 milligrams delta-9 THC per serving.

“California simply will not tolerate the distribution and sale of unsafe, mislabeled, and illegal products that put the health of the public at risk,” CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, stated. “We continue to work with partners across the state to help protect our communities, especially our youth, from illegal hemp products.”

Company Response

In response to the CDPH’s claims, a representative of Mary Jones insisted that their products comply with California state law.

“Mary Jones hemp 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,” the company stated. “We are also an active member of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, helping to build a safe, thriving, and ethical hemp beverage industry. 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.”

Background on Mary Jones Sodas

Mary Jones cannabis-infused sodas were introduced in California in 2022 by Jones Soda Co., a Seattle-based beverage brand known for its craft sodas. Initially sold only at licensed cannabis dispensaries, the product line includes cannabis extracts blended with Jones Soda Co.’s popular flavors.

In 2022, the company expanded the Mary Jones line to include hemp-derived delta-9 THC, making the infused drinks available outside of dispensaries. The company also launched an e-commerce store for the new hemp-derived delta-9 (HD9) sodas, allowing consumers to purchase them online for delivery to all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon due to state regulations.

“There’s a great evolution happening among today’s consumers and retailers. They are adapting to legal cannabis and THC products,” David Knight, CEO of Jones Soda, said in a January 2023 statement. “Jones Soda always delivers the best tasting products, and our Mary Jones range of beverages and edibles don’t disappoint. Mary Jones now sits squarely in this trajectory, with low dose HD9 and traditional cannabis products that meet the demand.”