FDA Bans Two Alcoholic Drinks Laced with Marijuana—Public Warned to Stay Away

Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is warning the public to steer clear of two alcoholic beverages—Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990—after tests confirmed they contain extracts of marijuana.

In a statement released on Sunday, May 18, the FDA revealed that the drinks are not registered and were produced by an unlicensed company operating in the Ashanti Region.

“These products pose serious health risks and must not be consumed,” the Authority warned.

The beverages were traced to FAMUDE Catering Services, a facility that was operating illegally without FDA approval.

Authorities acted quickly to shut it down, revoke its license, and hand over the matter to the Suntresu District Police for further investigation.

The FDA emphasized that it is collaborating closely with the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to clamp down on the production and spread of these illegal products.

Despite previous enforcement actions, the FDA noted that in April it received fresh intelligence pointing to continued sales of Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur in Koforidua, which led to the discovery of yet another unapproved production site linked to the same group.

The Authority is urging the public to be vigilant and to report any locations where these products are sold.

“We count on the public’s help. If you see these drinks being distributed or sold anywhere, let us know,” the FDA appealed.

Officials added that consuming beverages infused with controlled substances like marijuana can pose serious health threats—especially when unregulated and hidden from the public.

The FDA has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and warned that anyone involved in the production or sale of these banned drinks will face the full force of the law.

“This is about safety. We will not tolerate any business putting lives at risk for profit,” the Authority stated.

Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have promised to update the public as more information becomes available.