The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s “What Is True?” team flagged the following claim by a local convenience store owner during routine monitoring of social media posts for potentially false or misleading information: “Parents: Please be cautious and pay attention to energy drinks and drinks that can get your children high. New ‘THC’ drinks are hitting store shelves. Do your research!!”

The post reflects a real concern about unregulated hemp-derived THC beverages, which are legal in Mississippi and available with no age restrictions. But it oversimplifies the situation by suggesting these drinks reliably get people high and are being marketed or sold directly to children.

In reality, the products vary widely in potency, are often mislabeled and can affect each person differently. Because the post lacks important context and presents a complex issue in an overly simplified way, the claim is misleading.

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. When infused into sodas, teas or sparkling waters, it can have a range of effects depending on dosage, individual tolerance and product formulation.

Under the 2018 federal Farm Bill, hemp is defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight. However, that standard applies to the raw plant material and does not clearly translate to the amount of THC in a finished beverage. As a result, the actual dosing can be inconsistent, and studies have found that product labeling is often inaccurate, leaving consumers unsure of how much THC they’re actually consuming.

Attempts to regulate these drinks more clearly in Mississippi failed during the 2025 legislative session. The House and Senate each passed different versions of a bill that would have banned high-potency hemp products, capped THC levels in beverages and created a 21-and-over purchase requirement. But lawmakers could not reconcile the differences, and the legislation died in conference committee.

Mississippi is not alone in grappling with how to manage these products. The Farm Bill that legalized hemp did not impose any minimum age for purchasing hemp-derived items, leaving that decision up to individual states.

In the absence of federal rules, some states have acted. For example, Alabama recently passed a law requiring consumers to be 21 or older to buy hemp-based THC drinks, setting a standard Mississippi lawmakers attempted — but failed — to follow.

Without state-level rules, Mississippi retailers can legally sell hemp-derived drinks that comply with federal law — but there are no mandatory potency limits beyond the vague 0.3% rule or uniform labeling requirements. Combined with the lack of an age restriction, this creates a patchwork system in which enforcement is nearly nonexistent.

Some retailers in Mississippi have voluntarily chosen to impose a 21-and-over policy for THC drinks, even though the law does not require it. Store owners are legally allowed to restrict sales of these products to adults, just as they might with other items.

But without consistent regulation or enforcement, individual store policies are no substitute for statewide oversight. This lack of oversight raises real concerns. A 2023 study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, found that many hemp-derived products had inaccurate labels, with some containing significantly more or less THC than advertised. Inconsistent labeling makes it difficult for consumers to know how much THC they’re actually consuming.

Effects also vary widely. According to experts at Harvard Medical School, some people tolerate small amounts of THC well, while others may experience anxiety, nausea, racing heart rate or even paranoia after just a few milligrams. Even legally compliant drinks may cause unexpected reactions depending on the person.

Although some brands market these products as “social tonics” or alcohol alternatives meant to provide a mild buzz, there’s no clear guidance for consumers — and no state agency actively monitoring what’s being sold.

Clarifying misleading claims helps prevent panic, confusion and misinformation. When posts overstate the risks or misrepresent what’s actually legal, they can cause unnecessary fear among consumers, parents and community members.

Investigating and explaining these claims ensures the public gets accurate, balanced information — especially when policies and products are evolving faster than the laws that govern them.

This report was produced by the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center as part of its “What Is True?” fact-checking service. The center’s researchers investigate local claims to help the public separate fact from fiction. To learn more or submit a claim for review, visit rhcjcnews.com/witreq.