Pubdate: Wed, 21 Mar 2007
Source: Daily Targum (Rutgers, NJ Edu)
Copyright: 2007 Daily Targum
Contact:  http://www.dailytargum.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/715
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

HALF-BAKED BAN

It may soon be illegal to sell candy that tastes like marijuana to 
minors in Georgia, if the state Senate approves a new bill. The 
legislation punishes retailers who sell "marijuana flavored products" 
to minors with fines of $1,000 for each offense, according to The 
Associated Press. Cities in New York and California as well as the 
city of Chicago have already imposed similar bans, but this 
legislation would make Georgia the first state to ban the candies.

Makers of the candies already recommend vendors sell them only to 
customers who are 18 or older, and opponents of the legislation 
contend that the candies are harmless novelties. However, the bill's 
sponsor, state Rep. Judy Marietta, argues the products are 
detrimental to children, and the proposed bill states they promote 
drug use and give a false impression marijuana is fun and safe, 
according to The Associated Press.

Unfortunately, it seems this bill misses the mark. It is doubtful 
that people are attracted to marijuana because of the taste, and the 
vague language raises the issue of how a judge would determine what 
tastes like marijuana - the legislation would be better served by 
banning products containing a specific ingredient.

Furthermore, it is likely that children will just act as they usually 
do when obtaining any other illicit substance - ask someone of age to 
purchase the candy for them. There are probably plenty of people who 
don't have a problem doing just that, especially considering there is 
nothing harmful in the candies - they are merely flavored with hemp 
oil, and don't actually contain marijuana. In fact, it seems more 
likely such a bill will serve only to heighten interest in the 
product, as they would still be widely available, merely made off 
limits to minors. Anyone knows when children aren't allowed to have 
something, they only want it even more.

And if states are going to ban marijuana-flavored candy, why not also 
ban candy cigarettes? Cigarettes have no positive value for children 
either, yet candy versions of them are widely available.

Ultimately, this bill just appears to be another puritanical measure 
designed to legislate parenting. If lawmakers truly want children to 
stay away from marijuana, they should do their part to educate them 
with valid reasons why, rather than banning substances that emulate 
irrelevant aspects of the drug.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman