An interesting new marijuana flavored candy is on the market and has received national exposure on television’s Tonight Show as well as several other popular programs. It’s called “Chronic Candy”. Chronic is a popular name substitute for marijuana. Their best seller of this flavored candy seems to be lollipops although it also has a “gummi” type of candy as well.
Chronic candy contains hemp oil which which is derived from hemp (marijuana), although it apparently has no tetrohydrocannibinol (THC) that is the substance in marijuana that provides the high for users. While the web site that offers this candy states that it contains no THC, the site is chock full of marijuana plant symbols and markets other clothing and items that prominently feature the marijuana symbol. Included in their inventory are T-shirts that have “decriminalize” boldly printed on them, others have the Chronic Candy logo with a background that displays a marijuana plant. Additionally they offer a “cannibis” fragrance perfume. The candy comes in a variety of flavors with names such as Chronic, The Buzz, Purple Erkle, Strawberry Cough and White Widow and clearly seeks to establish a connection between marijuana and the candy. The Chronic Candy logo states “Relax – it’s only candy”.
The concern for parents of teenagers should be that marijuana remains illegal and many youngsters end up in juvenile court, or if they are over 18 subject themselves to a criminal record for experimenting with this drug. Newspapers that report police arrests for marijuana possession indicate that the extent of illegal use of this drug is wide spread and appears to be growing. The use of marijuana amongst the celebrity crowd of well known Hollywood figures is extensive and would appear to encourage youth to engage in this risky behavior.
Chronic Candy can be added to the growing list of enticements that would encourage experimentation with marijuana among our youth. The United States Army faced with numerous questions about the product banned the use of Chronic Candy by soldiers.
It is a certainty that there will be greater publicity for this item as schools will soon have to grapple with the question of if they will allow students to consume the candy in school or at school activities. This will no doubt end up in the courts if a zealous school administrator prohibits its’ use and is challenged by the parents of a youthful Chronic Candy aficionado.
Chronic Candy must be providing a windfall of profit to the makers and they promise to pay a 15% commission to those that link their personal web site to the Chronic web site and subsequently deliver those that would make a purchase. Google already features links that will connect a potential purchaser to sales sites. The debate is already beginning to grow legs as there are web sites such as the “Coalition Against Chronic Candy” that calls on parents, legislatures and school officials to ban the candy.
Stay tuned – much more will be said about this subject!
