The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs is reminding licensed hemp retailers that they are not permitted to sell products in violation of federal law, a warning that comes after the department learned that minors in the territory were provided with edibles with harmful substance found in marijuana.

More importantly, all unlicensed hemp retailers are urged to obtain a business license as soon as possible or prepare to receive a $500 citation for operating without a valid business license,” the department said.

“Unfortunately, there are some instances when minors have purchased or received from adults edible products containing CBD and Delta-8 THC,” DLCA Commissioner Richard Evangelista.

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties. 

The Food and Drug Administration has determined that certain food products that are marketed are adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(2)(C)(i) of the FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(2)(C)(i) because they bear or contain an unsafe food additive. 

“It is important for consumers to be aware that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context,” according to information on the FDA’s website. They may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk and should especially be kept out of reach of children and pets. 

DLCA said some retailers throughout the territory have introduced CBD and Delta-8 THC products for human use that are drugs based on the labeling. “The FDA is not aware of any adequate and well-controlled clinical trials in the published literature that support a determination that any of the retailed products are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) for use under the conditions prescribed, recommended, or suggested in their labeling,” DLCA said.

The V.I. Department of Health Division of Environmental Health, and DLCA, Division of Enforcement will commence inspecting establishments that sell hemp products to ensure the sale of items prohibited by federal law is not occurring, according to the release. DLCA said it will continue to educate before it regulates.

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