A whimsical yet alarming incident occurred in Wisconsin when dozens of restaurant goers were inadvertently served food infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
This bizarre episode unfolded in late October 2024, prompting a case report published by local health officials in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
During a three-day period starting October 22, nearly 100 patrons at the restaurant began to exhibit signs of THC intoxication, with at least seven individuals requiring hospitalization due to symptoms such as dizziness, sleepiness, and anxiety.
Interestingly, the initial alarm was raised when an individual who had dined at the restaurant the previous day tested positive for THC without having any known exposure.
This prompted Public Health Madison & Dane County to launch an investigation.
Upon contacting the restaurant’s owner on October 24, health officials discovered that the establishment was operating out of a shared kitchen space used by another business that specialized in producing THC edibles from hemp.
The owner explained that they had run out of their standard canola oil on October 22 and had inadvertently used the THC-infused cooking oil from the shared kitchen instead.
Testing of the oil used in food preparation confirmed the presence of THC, leading to swift action from health officials.
Local police were enlisted to assess the situation, ultimately determining that this unfortunate incident stemmed from an accidental mix-up rather than any criminal intent.
As a precaution, the restaurant was closed immediately, cleaning procedures were put in place, and it reopened just two days later on October 26.
While the episode may evoke laughter, it raised significant safety concerns, particularly for families, as three children experienced vomiting and one even reported hallucinations as the result of the accidental consumption of THC.
Fortunately, none of the children required hospitalization, and there were no serious injuries reported among the impacted adults either.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing prevalence of THC and cannabis-related businesses, especially those sharing space with dining establishments.
Due to the growing popularity of these products, public health experts recommend stricter regulations, such as clear labeling and stringent storage practices to mitigate the risk of accidental THC exposure in restaurants.
The report emphasizes that more preventive measures are necessary to safeguard public health and ensure that similar situations do not occur in the future.
As restaurateurs navigate the complexities of shared kitchen spaces, it raises a curious question: did this peculiar experience improve or damage the restaurant’s reputation on platforms like Yelp?
Regardless of that outcome, the event underscores the vital importance of clarity and caution in the food industry as the lines between traditional dining and cannabis-infused foods continue to blur.
image source from：gizmodo
