As a Wisconsin-based company deeply invested in the well-being of our communities, we at Ethereal Gold Dispensary are outraged by the recent news from Milwaukee, reported around May 29, 2025. Two children, aged 9 and 14, were hospitalized after ingesting THC gummies purchased from a local convenience store, Rama Foods. This incident is not an unfortunate accident; it is a predictable and preventable tragedy born from a complete failure of responsibility that endangers our children and delegitimizes the entire legal cannabis industry.
What Happened in Milwaukee? A Breakdown of Failures
The facts of the case are alarming. A parent purchased what they believed to be candy for their children. The product was packaged in a bag nearly identical to Trolli gummy worms — a blatant act of copyright infringement designed to be deceptive. In small print, the bag noted a staggering 600mg of THC.
During a licensing review, it was revealed that while the store had a self-imposed "21+ sales policy", an employee still handed the product directly to the children, as quoted to be seen on the stores video cameras. Most shockingly, but known to us at Ethereal Gold Dispensary, the Assistant City Attorney stated there is currently no law in place establishing an age requirement for purchasing these hemp-derived products. The store owners received a warning.
Let us be perfectly clear: this is an unacceptable outcome. This incident represents a catastrophic failure on multiple levels — from the irresponsible manufacturer of the knockoff product, to the distributors providing stores these products passing them off as legitimate hemp products, to the store that sold it, and finally, to the regulatory gaps that allow this to happen.
The Ethereal Gold Dispensary Standard: Our Non-Negotiable Commitment
The existence of dangerous, unregulated THC edibles like the ones sold in this Milwaukee case is precisely why Ethereal Gold Dispensary operates under a set of strict, non-negotiable standards. What happened at Rama Foods would be impossible at Ethereal Gold Dispensary, and it's crucial for consumers to understand the difference.
Proper Labeling & Professional Packaging
We find the practice of using knockoff candy branding, like the Trolli imagery in the Milwaukee THC gummies incident, to be predatory and utterly inexcusable. It is designed to create confusion and appeal to children. Ethereal Gold Dispensary products are professionally packaged. They are clearly and boldly labeled as containing THC, with precise dosage information, ingredient lists, and warnings. We will never use cartoon characters or mimic existing candy brands. Our products look like what they are: premium, adult-use cannabis products.
Rigorous Age Verification
A "store policy" that fails is not a policy; it's a liability. At Ethereal Gold Dispensary, we employ a robust, mandatory age-verification system for all online sales and in-person pickups. Every single customer must prove they are 21 years of age or older before a purchase can be completed. There are no exceptions. (18 years of age at our physical location.)
Lab-Tested, Legitimate Products
This is the most critical standard of all. That 600mg knockoff package has likely never seen the inside of a lab. Is it truly 600mg? What kind of THC is it? Does it contain pesticides, heavy metals, or other dangerous contaminants? The consumer has no way of knowing.
This is why we champion cannabis product safety above all else. Our unwavering commitment to full-panel lab testing means every single consumable product we sell is verified by an independent, third-party lab. We test for potency to ensure the label is accurate, and for purity to ensure the product is free from harmful contaminants.
Banning is the Wrong Answer; Strict Regulation is the Only Way
Predictably, incidents like this lead to calls for outright bans on hemp-derived products, as mentioned in the news report. We understand the sentiment, but we strongly disagree with this approach. As one industry founder noted, banning these products will not eliminate demand; it will simply push millions of consumers into a dangerous, completely unregulated illicit market.
Prohibition is a failed strategy. The only path forward is smart, strict, and universal regulation. We must mandate for all intoxicating cannabinoid products sold in Wisconsin:
- Comprehensive Lab Testing: Full-panel tests must be required for all products.
- Strict Packaging & Labeling Laws: Ban knockoff branding and require clear warnings and dosage information.
- Mandatory Age Verification: Enforce 21+ age gates for all sales, everywhere.
A Clear Choice for Wisconsin Consumers
The incident in Milwaukee is a wake-up call. It's a stark illustration of the dangers posed by an unregulated market segment filled with irresponsible operators. This is not a "hemp loophole"; it is a responsibility loophole that must be closed with sensible legislation.
Ethereal Gold Dispensary will continue to advocate for a safer cannabis market in Wisconsin by leading by example. We offer our customers peace of mind, knowing that every product they purchase is legitimate, accurately labeled, and rigorously tested for safety. When you choose your cannabis products, the choice is clear: demand transparency, demand testing, and demand responsibility. You can explore our range of professional, tested edibles to see the standard you should expect.
FAQ
How can I spot fake THC edibles?
Look for red flags like packaging that mimics popular candy or snack brands (Trolli, Skittles, Doritos, etc.), the use of cartoon characters, or the absence of a QR code linking to lab test results.
Is a 600mg THC package safe?
A 600mg package contains an extremely high amount of THC, equivalent to sixty standard 10mg doses. (Note: The average mg dose for an adult is 2.5mg to 10mg.) While some user's may have a higher tolerance, there is also no guarantee that the THC is only Delta-9 THC or what else is in these gummies — and it is unlikely that there is that much Delta-9 THC per gummy in a candy of this size.
Does Ethereal Gold use candy-style branding?
Absolutely not. Our packaging is professional, compliant, and designed for adults. We never use imagery that could be confused with mainstream candy or appeal to children.
Is there an age limit to buy from Ethereal Gold?
Yes. We have a strict, mandatory 21+ age verification process for every single customer and every single sale.
Why is lab testing so important for cannabis products?
Lab testing is the only way to independently verify that a product contains the amount of THC and other cannabinoids it claims to, and more importantly, that it is free from harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.
