Pubdate: Thu, 07 Jul 2005 Source: Decatur Daily (AL) Copyright: 2005 The Decatur Daily Contact: http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/index.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/696 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) GOVERNMENT GOES TOO FAR WHEN IT BANS CANDY FLAVOR The Chicago City Council passed a law last week banning the sale of certain flavors of lollipops, gumdrops and other treats. The target of this absurd government disruption of free commerce was not any ingredient in the candy, but the flavor. Stores selling the candy in the Windy City now face fines of up to $500 and possible revocation of their business licenses. Chicago is not the only city weighing in on the issue. A New York City councilwoman plans hearings on the candies this summer and an Atlanta suburb has already passed a resolution banning them. What's next? Only certain colors of balloons? Granted, the flavor in question is not your mainstream treat, like vanilla or strawberry. But neither is the target market the average youthful candy consumer. The flavor is marijuana and adults constitute the target market. Convenience stores across the nation sell the candies, with names like Purple Haze and Rasta. Companies manufacturing the treats recommend they be sold only to adults. The candy features only the taste of marijuana, not the mind-altering high. Alderman Edward Burke, who sponsored the law in Chicago, said the flavored candies will lead children to experiment with the real thing. Maybe Mr. Burke should consider endorsing broccoli-flavored ice cream, or asparagus soda pop. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth