JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new wave of THC-infused drinks—often sold right alongside beer and seltzers—is popping up in stores and even some gas stations.
But Florida’s Poison Information Center warns the packaging can look a lot like everyday flavored drinks, making it especially risky around children.
Walk into a liquor store and they’re all over. Bright cans, fruity flavors and labels that can be easy to miss.
If you take a closer look you’ll see they contain 5 or 10 milligrams of THC, the ingredient in cannabis that can cause a high.
We found numerous at a liquor store at the St. Johns Town Center. They can also be found in some gas stations.
“So, when we have adults. The risk could be an adverse reaction. Meaning they don’t like the way it makes them feel. But with kids which is the population I’m most concerned about. The THC component to it can have them have these types of effects. Acts altered, confused. Depending on how many they consumed could have seizures from it,” said Dawn Sollee, Pharm.D., who is Director of the Florida Poison Information Center in Jacksonville.
“When you’re at home it goes into the refrigerator or a cooler when out at the Beach or pool. So it’s going into a place that’s not child resistant,” said Dr. Sollee.
Dr. Sollee also pointed out there’s a lot of confusion over wording like THC and HEMP - combined with the fight to legalize marijuana products in states all over the country - it’s making it harder for consumers to quickly know what they’re buying.
Her advice for adults: if you’re trying one of these drinks for the first time use caution and go slow. Because sometimes the labels may not always make the ingredients or potency clear.
And if you have children at home, keep them away, locked, and out of reach.