This is a public notice not to use any product called:
Avoid using the following products:
- “YOLO CBD OIL” vape pen
- Any products from the manufacturer “Hookahzz“
- CBD Pods labeled “Black Magic” or “Black Diamond“
- Products sold under the name or distributed by “Mathco Health Corporation“
- Any vaping products lacking complete ingredient listings or manufacturer information
Key Points:
- Janell Thompson, a California woman, pleads guilty to conspiracy to distribute synthetic marijuana and money laundering charges.
- Thompson’s company sold “Yolo CBD pens” in several states, including New York, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Utah.
- Yolo CBD pens have been associated with at least six deaths in Europe and over 40 illnesses in North Carolina, with additional cases across the United States.
- The outbreak of illnesses in Salt Lake City caused by Yolo CBD pens was due to synthetic marijuana, not CBD.
- Thompson’s involvement in distributing spiked vapes led to her arrest and guilty plea, facing up to 40 years in prison.
- Yolo CBD pens were found to contain synthetic marijuana, known as K2 or spice, instead of CBD, leading to severe health issues among users.
- Investigations into the distribution of Yolo CBD pens revealed connections to multiple states, indicating widespread distribution.
- Thompson’s involvement in the distribution of spiked vapes extended beyond Utah, with evidence of sales in at least six other states.
- The Utah Poison Control Center received a tip about the source of Yolo CBD pens, leading to further investigation by law enforcement agencies.
- While Thompson’s guilty plea focused on the distribution of synthetic marijuana, her former business partner, Katarina Maloney, distanced herself from Yolo during the investigation.
- Maloney emphasized that products from Mathco Health Corporation undergo lab testing and comply with all laws, denying any involvement in the manufacture or sale of illegal products.
- Despite legal action against Thompson and investigations into the distribution of spiked vapes, questions remain about the safety and regulation of vaping products in the market. Original Article posted on USA Today, by Halbrook Mohr, of the Associated Press.
Background:
- Thompson’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 when she co-founded Hookahzz, an e-cigarette company, with a roommate in Southern California.
- Hookahzz experienced early success, with their CBD vapes featured at prestigious events like the Emmy Awards and included in Oscar nominee gift bags.
- Thompson’s business ventures expanded to other CBD products, including capsules, edibles, and pet products.
- In 2017, Thompson and her partner established Mathco Health Corporation, which later became associated with the distribution of Yolo CBD pens spiked with synthetic marijuana.
Investigation and Legal Action:
- Yolo CBD pens containing synthetic marijuana began appearing on store shelves in Utah in 2017, leading to numerous poisonings and deaths.
- Investigators traced the distribution of spiked vapes to Thompson’s company, Mathco Health Corporation.
- Thompson’s former bookkeeper and other employees raised concerns about the production and distribution of Yolo CBD pens.
- Federal prosecutors linked Thompson to the distribution of spiked vapes, resulting in her guilty plea to drug trafficking and money laundering charges.
- Thompson’s former business partner, Katarina Maloney, distanced herself from Yolo during the investigation.
Conclusion:
The case of Yolo CBD pens highlights the dangers of unregulated vaping products and the importance of transparency in the industry. Consumers should exercise caution and avoid products from manufacturers with questionable practices. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the distribution of illicit vaping products.
