Officials Warn About Products Containing Psychoactive Ingredients

Officials Warn About Products Containing Psychoactive Ingredients

Published on January 20, 2026

Polkadot brand products contain substances that put consumers at risk

The City of Denver and the State of Colorado are warning consumers not to purchase or consume PolkaDot brand chocolate bars and other products marketed as producing psychoactive effects. Recent laboratory testing confirmed these products contain psychoactive substances that are illegal for retail sale.

Earlier this month, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment and the Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection received test results for PolkaDot chocolate bars that had been removed from shelves at three Denver retailers. These products were selected for testing and analyzed by a local laboratory certified to detect psychoactive compounds. Results showed the presence of substances including psilocybin, psilocin, 4-ACO-DET, 4-HO-DET, and 4-HO-MET, all of which can elicit psychoactive effects and are prohibited in retail food products.

PolkaDot brand labeling and branding materials are widely available online, making it possible for multiple unconnected manufacturers to produce products under the PolkaDot name (see example packaging below). The lack of consistent regulatory oversight for these items increases food safety risks and the likelihood of undisclosed psychoactive ingredients. While most PolkaDot products are infused chocolate bars and gummies, other items include liquid shots and seltzers. These products are sold through online retailers and in smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations across Colorado and other states. California's Department of Public Health issued a consumer warning regarding PolkaDot brand chocolate bars following similar investigatory procedures in November 2024.

This is the second instance in which local investigations have found chocolate bars containing psilocybin sold at a Denver convenience store. City and state law makes it unlawful to sell psilocybin and other psychoactive products. Businesses selling unlawful products are subject to city discipline action, including fines, business license suspension or revocation, and potential criminal penalties.

Consumers are urged to:

• Avoid purchasing or consuming PolkaDot products in any form.
• Report suspected PolkaDot products to 311 or local authorities.
• Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing adverse effects after consuming these products.

More about Natural Medicine and Psychedelic Substance Use in Colorado

In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, establishing the Natural Medicine Health Act and creating a statewide regulatory framework for natural psychedelic substances. Under this law, adults 21 and older may possess, grow, share (without payment), and personally use natural medicines, including psilocybin, psilocin, ibogaine, mescaline (excluding peyote), and DMT. However, regulated access is limited to psilocybin and psilocin only. These substances can only be administered through a licensed natural medicine healing center or by a licensed facilitator during an administration session at a private residence or healthcare facility.

It remains illegal to buy or sell psilocybin mushrooms, psilocybin-infused products, or any other form of natural medicine outside the regulated system. Synthetic versions of these substances are also unlawful to possess or sell. Retailers such as gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores cannot legally sell unregulated or mislabeled products claiming to contain psilocybin, as these products may pose serious health risks.

Consumers seeking natural medicine are urged to research and use the appropriate avenues, such as licensed facilitators.

The City of Denver is continuing to investigate the scope of distribution and production of PolkaDot-branded products.

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