A rising concern among parents has emerged regarding the accidental ingestion of cannabis products by children. Hemp gummies, which contain compounds derived from hemp, have been causing problems, with hundreds of children being sent to hospitals this year alone. This issue has shed light on the fact that these products are less regulated than other more potent cannabis derivatives. Interestingly, Congress actually legalized hemp back in 2018, unintentionally paving the way for this new problem.
The intention behind legalizing hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill, led by Senator Mitch McConnell and other members of Congress, was not to create a new category of intoxicating substances that would be legal nationwide. However, drug dealers and pushers discovered a loophole in this law that allows them to extract substances like Delta-8 from hemp. These substances resemble and act like marijuana, leading to addictive behaviors, psychosis, and other harms. The worst part is that they are being sold in child-friendly forms, such as gummy bears, in gas stations across the country.
The consequences of this ill-intended exploitation are alarming. Reports indicate that the number of children winding up in emergency rooms due to accidental ingestion of cannabis products has soared from a few hundred in 2017 to over 3,000 in 2021. Tragically, some cases have resulted in fatalities, including that of a four-year-old child in Virginia who died after consuming one of these hemp gummy bears. Additionally, adults have also lost their lives due to the consumption of these products.
Critics argue that if hemp is going to be legalized, there should be stricter regulations in place to prevent the production of products that resemble candy and entice children. They liken this situation to the controversial Joe Camel marketing campaign, which targeted young people with its appealing imagery.
Parents are understandably concerned about their children's safety and have been advised to reinforce the age-old rule of not accepting candy from strangers or unknown sources. However, beyond individual efforts, activists are calling on parents across the nation to take action. They are urging them to reach out to influential figures such as Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Stabenow, and Senator John Bozeman, who played significant roles in the 2018 Farm Bill. These individuals will be involved in updating the bill in September next year, giving concerned citizens roughly a year to raise their voices and push for the closure of the loophole allowing the sale of these harmful hemp products.
In the meantime, one state, Arkansas, has already taken action by banning hemp products this year. Advocates hope that other states will follow suit, while also urging Congress to enact a nationwide ban on these products. The protection of children should be a priority, and addressing this issue will ensure that they are kept safe from the dangers associated with the ingestion of cannabis products intended for adult use.
As parents become more aware of the risks posed by these seemingly innocent gummy treats, it is hoped that collective action and the tightening of regulations will help protect children across the country. The accidental ingestion of cannabis products is a serious matter that demands urgent attention and rectification.
