As spring legislative sessions near their end, our mission to protect children and young adults from the harmful effects of marijuana has never been more vital. Your continued engagement and support are making a difference.
🔬 Science Corner
Alarming new research reveals that individuals under 50 who use cannabis are over six times more likely to suffer heart attacks compared to non-users. These findings emphasize the serious cardiovascular risks of marijuana use, with cannabis users showing higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Oregon Health and Science University research led by Dr. Jamie Lo reveals that prenatal THC exposure may decrease lung volume and oxygen capacity in infants. This groundbreaking study contradicts dispensary claims of no adverse effects and supports our advocacy for protecting the most vulnerable from marijuana’s harmful effects, beginning before birth.
⚖️ Legislative Developments
We’ve already seen some setbacks, including the defeat of Senate Bill 076 that would have pioneered medical and recreational cannabis packaging and dosage standards in Colorado. We thank the bill sponsors, Senators Judy Amabile, Byron Pelton and Representatives Kyle Brown and Anthony Hartsook for their leadership on the bill.
In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed key bipartisan proposals including House Bill 2485 which aimed to provide a regulated adult-use cannabis retail market that would have helped curb the unregulated underground market that has flourished since cannabis legalization. And in Ohio, House Finance Committee Chair Brian Stewart has expressed skepticism toward Governor Mike DeWine’s proposal to double the marijuana tax to 20% along with limiting THC potency in cannabis products to 70%.
The Texas Senate passed a state ban on all forms of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, advancing a priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to crack down on the state’s booming consumable hemp market.
A few other legislative efforts are still in play. Here are a few of the most important:
Arizona: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has set an April 24 deadline for businesses to cease selling unregulated THC products that feature bright, cartoon-driven branding accessible without age restrictions.
Florida: Florida lawmakers are advancing regulatory measures for hemp and THC-infused beverages, with proposed Senate Bill 438 setting a 5mg THC cap per beverage and requiring distribution through regulated alcohol channels.
Georgia: A similar Georgia bill aims to ban THC-infused drinks altogether and lower THC limits for other consumables.
New York: Following cases of children hospitalized after consuming marijuana gummies, State Senator Dean Murray and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio have introduced legislation mandating clearer warning labels and child-resistant packaging for cannabis edibles.
🫙 Filling the Void
The absence of federal oversight regulating dangerous Hemp and THC products is leading local municipalities to try to legislate their own protections. Other organizations like non-profits, local police departments, and schools are also trying to do what they can. With your support, One Chance to Grow Up will continue to advocate for more thoughtful, coordinated state-level and federal legislation to address the most obvious hazards. The patchwork approach will always leave gaps that will endanger children.
One Chance advocates for states to impose an age gate of 21+ to protect developing brains from the harmful impacts of THC. While the THC derived hemp market remains unregulated and continues to spread across the country, parents should also be aware that these products are being shipped in the mail without an age verification.
One Chance won’t rest until all children are protected from the known and proven harmful effects of marijuana, THC derived from hemp and psilocybin. But, in the meantime, we applaud these creative efforts to help protect our children.
Here are a couple of highlights from the last few weeks:
Communities in Illinois, including Rolling Meadows, are seeking to ban products containing Delta-8 THC in gas stations and smoke shops. Jefferson County, Florida, is emphasizing peer-to-peer education about harmful vaping products.
Your continued support enables us to advocate effectively for policies that protect children and young adults from the proven dangers of marijuana and THC exposure. Together, we can make a difference in creating safer communities for our youth.
