Wisconsin Pizzeria Accidentally Sells THC-Laced Pizzas: Here’s What Happened

A Wisconsin pizzeria made a surprising apology to customers after unintentionally selling pizzas laced with THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. The incident came to light when patrons of Famous Yeti’s in Stoughton reported feeling unusual effects after eating their pizzas. When reports of strange reactions started surfacing, co-owner Ryan was initially at a loss, assuming the culprit was spoiled toppings or even a carbon monoxide leak. However, after a thorough investigation, he uncovered the real cause: THC-contaminated oil had accidentally been mixed into the pizza dough, affecting around 70 orders.

The pizzeria operates out of a shared commercial kitchen, where multiple vendors store ingredients and supplies. According to the shop’s statement, THC-infused oil—stored by a different vendor who makes cannabis edibles—was inadvertently used by the pizza shop. Since recreational cannabis remains illegal in Wisconsin, the pizzeria did not anticipate the presence of THC-laced ingredients in their kitchen.

To rule out other possible causes, the fire department checked the pizzeria for carbon monoxide, as some of the symptoms customers experienced resembled signs of carbon monoxide exposure. Once the oil contamination was confirmed, the pizzeria took swift action, closing down to perform a deep cleaning and dispose of any potentially contaminated ingredients. In addition to revamping their storage protocols, Ryan and his wife are also offering financial support for customers who incurred medical costs as a result of the mix-up.

Experts explain that eating THC in foods like pizza—which are high in fats—can make the psychoactive effects of THC stronger and more pronounced. Darin Erickson, associate director of research at the University of Minnesota’s Cannabis Research Center, notes that when cannabis is ingested through fatty foods, THC binds with fats, increasing the compound's absorption rate. Unlike smoking, where effects are almost immediate, edibles take longer to kick in, sometimes up to an hour, and often result in a more intense experience.

“When THC is absorbed with fat, people may feel the effects more strongly than if it were mixed with a non-fatty substance,” explained Tory Spindle, a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Delta-9-THC, the primary compound in the oil, can linger in the system for up to 30 days, depending on a person’s usage patterns and the THC concentration. Although the effects vary widely, THC can produce feelings of relaxation for some, while causing anxiety or panic in others, depending on factors like age, tolerance, and dosage. Erickson explained, “Cannabis is unusual in that its effects can be both stimulating and relaxing, depending on the individual’s chemistry.”

This incident has highlighted the importance of clear labeling and secure storage of THC-infused products, particularly in shared kitchens. Famous Yeti’s is working with local authorities to ensure that similar mistakes are prevented in the future, prioritizing both enhanced storage and security protocols.

Would you be shocked if your pizza was ‘accidentally’ infused with THC?