POT-FLAVORED CANDY: WE DON'T NEED LAW BANNING HEMP LOLLIPOPS

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" or "Chronic Candy," the suckers
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.

Such hand-wringing is misplaced; many children grew up "puffing" on
candy cigarettes and bubble-gum cigars, yet they aren't addicted to
tobacco. Most people, even children, know there is a difference
between candy that tastes like pot and the real McCoy. But not
everyone is so sure.

In Texas, state Rep. Aaron Pena, D-Edinburg, filed a bill last month
that would ban the sale of candy containing hemp or marijuana
flavoring. A Michigan legislator has proposed a similar ban on this
type of candy in his state.

"We can't allow these companies to be making money off our kids while
promoting a dangerous and illegal activity," Pena said.

Pena is worried about sending the wrong message to children. He's
concerned that parents are unable to communicate the right message to
their kids, so the state must do it for them.

But do we really need another law? 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.