A recent ABC News headline reported, “Marijuana gummies send 11 New York middle-schoolers to hospitals.” The rollout of the legalization of recreational marijuana has been an unmitigated disaster with sales at illegal, unlicensed shops, far outpacing sales at the licensed locations. While it appears that the state is starting to get its act together, there are still many issues to address.

Legislation in the State Senate and Assembly sponsored by NYS Senator Dean Murray and NYS Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio would address the issue of targeting children by requiring that warning labels on edible cannabis products be displayed, as well as imposing criminal violations and restrictions on the sale of adult-use cannabis products to children. This bill has been introduced and awaits action by the NYS Legislature. According to the two state representatives, “this legislation is about the safety of our children, and we should not allow them to be targeted with the marketing of adult-use products of any kind.”

Senator Murray stated, “There appears to be an uptick in enforcement of the rules and laws regarding the sale of adult use cannabis products... With one glaring shortfall... and that is what seems to be a growing trend of targeting children.”

Assemblywoman Giglio added, “Here we are, 4 years later, trying to fix a problem that was created by 1 party rule in Albany. Edible cannabis products, particularly those in the form of candies, gummies, and chocolates, can pose significant risks to children if not properly packaged and stored. Due to their resemblance to common snack foods, there have been incidents where children accidentally consume these products, leading to overdoses. These overdoses can result in a range of symptoms, including drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory distress or other health complications.”

Senator Murray continued, “There have been many examples over the last couple of years of children accessing, ingesting or using THC-infused edible gummies, with frightening results. Most recently, 11 middle school students were taken to the hospital after ingesting marijuana gummies at school. Packaging like this makes it entirely too easy for kids and parents to be fooled and mistakenly think these products are perfectly safe candy. Fortunately, none of the 11 children in this case were seriously injured or harmed, but that is not always the case, which is why it is so important for us to take action in Albany and pass our marijuana packaging legislation.”

Assemblywoman Giglio concluded, “To prevent such incidents, it's critical for cannabis edibles to be packaged in child-resistant containers, clearly labeled with dosage information, and with safety warnings. In addition, public education efforts are essential to inform caregivers and parents about the potential dangers and the importance of keeping cannabis products securely stored out of reach of children.”