Viewpoint: Mitch McConnell argues for the cultivation of hemp, ensuring minimal risk to children
In the heart of America, Kentucky, a growing concern surrounds the unregulated use of THC in candy-like products, posing significant safety risks to children. These products, often resembling familiar food items like cookies, gummies, and cereals, can be deceptively marketed, leading to accidental ingestion. Such incidents have seen a dramatic rise nationwide, with reports indicating a 1,375% increase since 2017 in accidental poisonings of children under age 5 from cannabis edibles [2].
In Kentucky, while CBD gummies are legal if they contain less than 0.3% THC, the regulation does not sufficiently address the presence of unregulated hemp-derived THC products that may contain intoxicating or synthetic cannabinoids disguised as candy-like edibles [3]. This regulatory gap is concerning because these products lack clear safety frameworks, proper labeling, and child-resistant packaging.
Senior Senator Mitch McConnell, a staunch advocate for the health and safety of children, has taken notice of this public health concern. Recognising the urgency, he has been working tirelessly to close loopholes allowing the sale of unregulated hemp-derived THC products. A recently advanced bill aims to make hemp-derived cannabinoid products containing quantifiable THC or synthetic cannabinoids illegal unless properly regulated [1]. This bill is designed to prevent predatory marketing practices targeting children by banning intoxicating products with packaging that mimics common foods.
Other states, such as Maryland, have implemented strict THC compliance standards for packaging and labeling. These include requirements for child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging, bans on designs appealing to children, and prohibitions on mimicking established trademarked products. Maryland also enforces penalties on unlicensed sellers and illegal products to protect public health [4].
While Kentucky allows some low-THC products, the unregulated presence of intoxicating THC edibles marketed like candy creates serious child safety hazards. Ongoing federal and state legislative initiatives seek to address this issue through tighter regulation, improved packaging standards, and enforcement actions.
McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has secured new language in the agriculture appropriations bill to protect children from dangerous products. This language delays implementation by one year to give Kentucky farmers ample time to prepare for changing markets. McConnell's aim is to ensure the number of acres used for hemp farming grows exponentially, while maintaining a safe environment for the state's children.
Allison Adams, the president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, echoes this concern, stating that hemp-derived THC products pose real health concerns for children and teens [5]. McConnell believes that the exploitation of children is not a matter of economics, but a matter of morals.
Recent incidents in Kentucky, such as a 15-year old girl hospitalized in Laurel County after eating what she thought was a piece of candy on her way to school, underscore the need for stricter regulations [6]. Earlier this year, an elementary-age student in Jefferson County shared THC candy gummies with friends at school, resulting in five kids needing EMS attention [7].
Companies have been exploiting a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill to produce intoxicating substances from legal amounts of THC in hemp. These synthetic chemicals are used as ingredients in candy-like products, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion. McConnell's efforts aim to address this issue, ensuring that the hemp industry thrives while prioritising the safety of Kentucky's children.
In summary, while Kentucky allows some low-THC products, the unregulated presence of intoxicating THC edibles marketed like candy creates serious child safety hazards that ongoing federal and state legislative initiatives seek to address through tighter regulation, improved packaging standards, and enforcement actions. McConnell continues to advocate for the health and safety of children, ensuring that Kentucky remains a safe place for all its residents.
- In Kentucky, the unregulated use of THC in candy-like products has raised concerns about the health and safety of children, as these products can be deceptively marketed and lack clear safety frameworks.
- Seniors Senator Mitch McConnell, focusing on the public health concern, is working to close loopholes that allow the sale of unregulated hemp-derived THC products, aiming to prevent predatory marketing practices targeting children and ensure child safety.
- Other states, like Maryland, have implemented stricter regulations for THC compliance, including child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging, bans on designs appealing to children, and prohibitions on mimicking established trademarked products, to protect public health.
- McConnell has secured new language in the agriculture appropriations bill to delay implementing changes by one year, providing farmers ample time to prepare for market changes while maintaining a safe environment for Kentucky's children.
- Advocates for health and wellness, such as Allison Adams, the president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, share these concerns about the mental and physical health risks that hemp-derived THC products pose for children and teens.
