SC hemp store ordered by FDA and FTC to change edible products that look like candy

The FTC and FDA sent a warning letter to a Murrells Inlet store selling products containing Delta-8 and Delta-9, a legal kind of THC, saying it has to change the marketing for its edibles.

Life Leaf Medical , 11871 Plaza Drive, sells Delta-9 edibles with packages resembling candy that may be tempting to children, according to the FTC. These products include infused peanut-butter cups, nerd rope bite and gummy candy.

Delta-8 and 9 sold in South Carolina are derived from hemp and contain less than .3% THC, making them legal . They provide a similar psychoactive high as marijuana products illegal in South Carolina.

The FTC and FDA said in a July 12 letter that the Life Leaf Medical THC nerd rope bite package too closely resembles a Nerds Rope by using a similar font and mascot. It states the company has to immediately stop marketing, “edible Delta-8 THC products that imitate conventional foods using advertising or packaging that is likely to be appealing to young children.”

It has 15 days to change the package or face legal actions such as seizure or injunctions. The FTC also encouraged Life Leaf Medical to examine its other products for similar issues.

Life Leaf Medical did not return a request to comment by time of publication. As of July 25, the package shown online did not have a character on it and the font does not closely resemble Nerds font.

The letter says the FDA has “serious concerns” about Delta-8 and similar kinds of merchandise, including that it is not FDA-approved, which can cause psychoactive effects, may have adverse effects and children may unknowingly ingest them.

Life Leaf Medical was the only South Carolina business and one of five companies to receive a letter from the FTC and FDA. The others were located in Pennsylvania and Florida.

“Inadequate or confusing labeling can result in children or unsuspecting adults consuming products with strong resemblance to popular snacks and candies that contain delta-8 THC without realizing it,” said FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Namandjé Bumpus.