The past couple of weeks bring some concerning developments and some promising signs in our ongoing mission to protect young people from marijuana’s harmful effects. New research continues to reveal the dangers of exposure to children, while some states are taking meaningful steps toward stronger protections, others seem to be sliding away from child protections. Your continued engagement in this vital work has never been more important.
🔬 Science Corner
#1 Alarming Research on Secondhand Smoke: A groundbreaking study from UC San Diego has revealed disturbing evidence about children’s exposure to cannabis in homes where marijuana is smoked. The research found children in these environments are 5X more likely to have detectable THC levels. This is particularly troubling given the presence of carcinogens and respiratory irritants in cannabis smoke, similar to those found in tobacco smoke. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive smoke-free laws and policies to protect young children, who are predominantly homebound and vulnerable to these exposures. “As evidence regarding the health effects of cannabis grows, adopting strategies from the tobacco control playbook, such as comprehensive smoke-free laws and policies, could safeguard children’s health,” said John Bellettiere, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego.Read the article here:
https://www.newswise.com/articles/smoking-cannabis-in-the-home-increases-odds-of-detectable-levels-in-children
#2 New Podcast Focuses on Mental Health Impacts of Cannabis on Youth: A new Canadian podcast is highlighting the concerning link between cannabis use and psychotic disorders, particularly among adolescents. Dr. André McDonald’s recent research findings emphasize the heightened risks associated with today’s high-potency THC products, now often exceeding 20% potency. This research emphasizes the need for enhanced public health messaging to deter early cannabis consumption among youth. “There’s even more reason for increasing awareness about the potential risks associated with cannabis use and for parents to caution their teens about delaying consuming cannabis for as long as possible.” Read the article and listen to the associated podcast here: https://www.castanet.net/news/Think-Local/529154/New-podcast-examines-link-between-cannabis-gut-health-and-psychosis
⚖️ Legal Developments
Federal Appeals Court Deals Another Blow to Intoxicating Hemp Products in Virginia In a crucial ruling, the United States Court of Appeals has affirmed states’ rights to impose stricter THC content limits than federal guidelines. This decision, upholding Virginia’s SB 903 law, represents a significant victory in protecting youth from dangerous, counterfeit THC products. Attorney General Jason Miyares rightly celebrates this as a win for child safety, particularly given the proliferation of unregulated synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8-THC.
Read the article here: https://www.regulatoryoversight.com/2025/01/federal-appeals-court-deals-another-blow-to-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-virginia/
Virginia Governor Youngkin Opposes Bill to Create Marijuana Marketplace: Virginia lawmakers are advancing a bill to create a retail market for recreational marijuana by opening up to 350 retail stores by May 1, 2026.. Governor Glenn Youngkin has expressed his opposition to the bill, citing concerns about increased crime, road safety issues, and health and safety risks to children.
Read the article here:
https://www.wric.com/news/politics/capitol-connection/dems-pushed-forward-with-bill-to-create-retail-market-recreational-marijuana/
⚠️ What We’re Up Against
DoorDash’s Dangerous New Service: In a concerning development, DoorDash has announced plans to deliver hemp-derived THC and CBD products directly to consumers’ homes. Despite claimed age-verification measures, this service could significantly increase youth access to harmful substances. The convenience of home delivery and the attractiveness of products like THC-infused gummies and drinks pose particular risks for accidental ingestion by children. “With the growing demand for hemp-derived THC and CBD products, we’re excited to expand access to a wide selection of products consumers crave,” said Jacob Morello, Director, GM of Alcohol and Emerging Categories at DoorDash. Profits for Door Dash should not be held above protections for kids.
Read the article here:
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2025/01/13/cannabis-infused-products-now-available-doordash-company-says/
Florida: The marijuana industry continues its aggressive expansion efforts, with Smart & Safe Florida (the industry led campaign to legalize for adult use) launching a new attempt to place recreational marijuana legalization on the 2026 ballot.. While the proposal claims to address concerns about public consumption and youth marketing, One Chance remains deeply concerned about the potential impacts of increased marijuana availability to children and young adults.
Read the article here:
https://www.fox13news.com/news/big-marijuana-companies-prep-new-2026-ballot-measure-recreational-pot-use-florida
Wisconsin: Parents are sounding the alarm about the proliferation of legal THC products, particularly hemp-derived Delta-8, which remains largely unregulated despite its potent psychoactive effects. The 2018 Farm Bill’s loophole has led to widespread sales in places like gas stations and vape shops without adequate safety oversight. “Since the FDA doesn’t regulate the industry, you can really get away with a lot that’s concerning,” said Tim O’Brien, owner of the Healthy Place in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Parents report increased poison center calls and severe adverse effects including hallucinations and paranoia among youth who access these easily accessible products.
Read the article here:
https://www.cbs58.com/news/parent-concerns-over-legal-thc-spiking-how-state-lawmakers-may-regulate-it
Michigan: Recent regulatory violations by Sky Labs LLC, an adult-use cannabis processor located in Mt. Morris, Michigan, highlights dangerous gaps in oversight in that state. Most alarmingly, their previous mislabeling issues led to a 4-year-old child consuming THC-laden edibles and requiring hospitalization. This case exemplifies the critical need for more stringent regulation on these dangerous THC products.
Read the article here:
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/news-releases/2025/01/09/cannabis-regulatory-agency-files-new-formal-complaint-against-sky-labs-llc
California: The planned opening of San Diego County’s first cannabis lounge raises serious concerns about community safety. Previous regulations like Proposition 215 and Proposition 64 have already led to increased addiction, emergency room visits, child ingestion cases, and DUIs. The failure of the Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act, undermined by industry influence, demonstrates how commercial interests often override child protection measures.
Read the article here:
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/san-diego-countys-first-cannabis-lounge-nears-completion/3677900/
Your engagement in protecting kids is more crucial than ever. Together, we can protect the next generation from the harmful consequences of THC exposure.
Best regards,
The One Chance to Grow Up Team
