Pot times
Backlash Against Hemp Lollipops Is Misguided
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1097/a01.html
Newshawk: chip
Pubdate: Mon, 11 Jul 2005 BACKLASH AGAINST HEMP LOLLIPOPS IS MISGUIDED
Source: Free Press, The (Kinston, NC)
Copyright: 2005 Kinston Free Press
Contact:
pholmes@freedomenc.com
Website: http://www.kinston.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1732
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm
(Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm
(Youth)
The next target of the anti-drug hysteria that stems from our nation's drug war
could well be something many Americans have never heard of: marijuana-flavored
lollipops. Marketed by several makers under names such as "Pot
Suckers," the candies contain no THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
But that doesn't stop rabid drug warriors and well-meaning activists who worry
that pot-flavored treats will send the wrong message to kids.We believe such
hand-wringing is probably misplaced; many of us grew up "puffing" on
candy cigarettes and bubble-gum cigars, yet aren't addicted to tobacco.
Most people, even children, know there is a difference between candy that tastes
like pot and the real McCoy. Not everyone is so sure.
Michigan state Rep. Dudley Spade is proposing a state ban on candy that
contains hemp or tastes like hemp. He's one who worries about sending the
wrong message to children. He's obviously one who also believes that
parents are unable to communicate the right message to their kids, so the state
must do it for them.
Anti-drug organizations such as the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
take a more family-based approach, urging parents to get stores to stop stocking
the candies. We always prefer market-based solutions rather than those
imposed by government. They allow more freedom and choice in the
marketplace.
That's not to say we encourage anyone, especially children, to rush out and pick
up a few of these lollipops so they could pretend to be on drugs, because we
don't. We do, however, encourage parents to talk to their children about
drug use and other behavior that involves choices that could change their lives
forever. Choice is a wonderful thing, but it must come with the freedom to
make bad choices, so long as we're willing to accept the consequences.
