FOX13 Investigates: THC traces found in another health supplement

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Users of a popular weight loss tea said it led them to fail drug tests and lose their jobs.

It’s a story we brought you in May.

Now, FOX13 has discovered another supplement offered by Total Life Changes appears to have unhealthy levels of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that gets you high.

FOX13′s Valerie Calhoun learned how a product designed to help you sleep could keep you up at night worrying about your next drug test.

Tanyetta Garner was horrified when she saw our story on Total Life Changes Raspberry Lemonade Flavor Iaso Tea last spring.

“I immediately started calling all of my customers and let them know I’m not selling anymore,” Garner said. “I’m done. Watch the news, and you’ll understand why.”

Earlier this year, we shared lab testing of the Raspberry Lemonade Flavor Iaso Tea showing “trace amounts” of THC.

Our sister station in Charlotte had it tested when people told them they failed drug tests after using the weight-loss tea.

“To lose a job, your benefits over this product? It’s not worth it. Just to lose weight? (shakes head ) it’s not worth it,” Garner said.

After our story aired, we received dozens of emails from people with similar stories.

“I was supposed to start LPN school...I got denied,” said Kristina.

“My fiance is a truck driver. He had to do a drug test which came back positive. He does not do drugs,” Shelice said.

“I also failed a drug test last year from drinking the tea,” Mariah said.

Garner was a distributor for Total Life Changes. She feared other products could lead to failed drug tests, especially the Melody Drops.

The label says it contains CBD oil, which is legal.

“Is there THC in the CBD? That’s what I want to know. Because I’ve had customers complain that they take it and they’ve had headaches,” Garner said.

We sent the drops and three other products to Avazyme Labs in Durham, North Carolina. The Melody Drops are the only product testing positive for traces of THC.

“They do contain measurable amounts of THC, in particular delta-nine THC, which is technically a controlled substance,” said Volker Bornemann.

We asked these users of the products if they are surprised by the results of the lab testing.

“No. Not at all. No. Because of the effects that like the headaches,” Garner said.

Bornemann said his labs used two methods to test for traces of drugs. The highly sensitive testing is designed to find even trace amounts of THC.

“With our sophisticated method we actually found there are 32 parts per million delta-nine THC, which is still a clearly measurable amount would show up if a drug testing laboratory would use a similar type of methodology, it would be a positive hit in the drug screen,” Bornemann said.

The drops are designed to ease anxiety and promote sleep, so they could be used every day, Bornemann said.

They have higher levels of THC than the tea he tested earlier this year.

“Yes. It can build up in your system, and it can be found in urine and blood samples for an extended period of time,” Bornemann said.

There is a warning on the website for Total Life Changes that reads: “We do not recommend use if you are subject to drug testing.”

Is that enough?

Garner said it’s not, and she’s frustrated her emails to company leaders have been ignored.

We reached out to Total Life Changes.

Craig Cole, director of public relations told us in a statement:

“At TLC, we care deeply about our customers and are committed to their well-being. We are in the process of learning more about the relevant facts, but are not in a position to report more fully at this time.”

We should note, we have not received reports of failed drug tests after using these drops. But there are at least three lawsuits against TLC from people who say they lost their jobs after failing drug tests after drinking the Raspberry Lemonade Flavor Iaso Tea.

Lawyers told us a case in New York against Total Life Changes involving the Raspberry Lemonade Flavor Iaso Tea is going to mediation.

A New Jersey case is waiting for a decision on a motion to dismiss.

We are also waiting to hear back from attorneys in another case.