Six companies are facing federal action for selling cannabis-infused edibles that closely resemble popular children's snacks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued cease and desist letters, citing concerns over accidental ingestion by children and misleading marketing practices.

These products, containing Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive cannabis extract, mimic familiar brands like Doritos and Cheetos, using similar logos, colors, and even mascots. The agencies highlight the potential for confusion, especially among children, who are more susceptible to the effects of THC. Serious adverse events linked to Delta-8 THC include hallucinations, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

This action follows a trend of increasing accidental ingestion of cannabis edibles by children. A study published in the journal Pediatrics revealed a significant rise in such cases between 2017 and 2021, with over 40% of all human poison exposure cases in 2020 stemming from children consuming marijuana edibles.

The FDA has not evaluated or approved Delta-8 THC for safe use. The FTC asserts that these copycat products may violate Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits deceptive marketing practices. The companies involved have been given 15 days to respond to the agencies' concerns and outline corrective actions.