BACKLASH AGAINST HEMP LOLLIPOPS IS MISGUIDED

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," the candies 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.We believe such
hand-wringing is probably misplaced; many of us grew up "puffing" on
candy cigarettes and bubble-gum cigars, yet aren't addicted to
tobacco. Most people, even children, know there is a difference
between candy that tastes like pot and the real McCoy. Not everyone is so sure.

Michigan state Rep. Dudley Spade is proposing a state ban on candy
that contains hemp or tastes like hemp. He's one who worries about
sending the wrong message to children. He's obviously one who also
believes that parents are unable to communicate the right message to
their kids, so the state must do it for them.

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.