‘Youth-focused’ labels, lack of regulation to blame for childhood marijuana poisonings

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Cannabis businesses, like all other businesses, rely on marketing to succeed. And thankfully, companies like Alphabet Inc. GOOG are becoming more inclusive of cannabis ads.

But as cannabis stores proliferate nationwide, observers worry that the marketing of certain products is to blame for the unwelcome trend of rising cannabis abuse by children and young people. .

“If you’re walking by a cannabis dispensary right now, it’s almost absurd how much of the packaging and products are aimed at young people,” said Katherine Keyes, professor of epidemiology at the University of Columbia, at Associated Press.

There were 3,054 reported cases of children accidentally eating edible cannabis in 2021, up from 207 in 2017, according to findings recently published in the journal Pediatrics. Another study published in Clinical Toxicology showed similar results, with a staggering 245% increase in cannabis abuse among teens since 2000.

The newly reported case of a child taken to hospital after consuming a THC edible at an elementary school in Phoenix proves this.

Two sixth graders took the edibles, according to fire crews who were called to Shaw Butte Elementary School near 21st Avenue and Peoria, Fox 10 Phoenix reported. While one student returned home, the other was hospitalized in stable condition.

More regulation needed

Some states are proposing rules to offset the trend. New York, for example, bans marketing and advertising that “is in any way designed to appeal to children or other minors” after it legalized marijuana in March 2021 (it’s still pending). adoption of rules regarding the use of cartoons and neon colors) .

Cannabis is still considered an illegal substance at the federal level, and those concerned about various aspects of the industry seem to be in an endless loop.

Cannabis companies taking advantage of the shady situation are using several illegal advertising tactics, such as glamorization and testimonials, according to a University at Buffalo (UB) study recently published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research that compared the policies commercialization of cannabis in Canada and among the American states.

“The United States has inconsistencies with Canada when it comes to cannabis marketing and advertising regulations,” said Natasha Allard, the paper’s lead author. “While Canada has a federal cannabis law that provides structured guidance for cannabis industry players to communicate about the product in a way that protects vulnerable populations, many US states tend to be more vague. in their policies.

Allard, a doctoral student in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior at UB’s School of Public Health and Health Professions, also pointed out that lack of guidance is a window to create many health harms. public, including “young people targeted by messages or the spread of misinformation and false statements. »

Some operators like Cronos Group Inc. CRON have addressed the issue with various initiatives, calling for greater responsibility in marijuana advertising. But, with parents being the first and foremost influence on children, authorities relentlessly urge them to consume cannabis responsibly.

Products that appear to be marketed to children are likely “illicit,” Lyla Hunt, deputy director of public health and campaigns for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, told the AP, pointing out the need for “a compliant industry, strict regulations”. and parental supervision.

Photo: Courtesy of Ramdlon, ganjaspliffstoreuk by Pixabay

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