Georgia Passes Drug-Flavored Candy Ban

Georgia retailers may soon be prohibited from selling marijuana-flavored candy to children, as the state House on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a measure targeting businesses that sell candies with drug-inspired names such as "Chronic Candy" and "Pot Suckers."

Activists said it is the first statewide ban of its kind in the United States.

"This kind of product is being taken to concerts like the old ice cream pop that is being marketed on the street," said Republican state Rep. Judy Manning, the bill's sponsor. "They're selling for $4 to $8 apiece. It's quite expensive — and it's quite detrimental to our children."

Marketers argue the treats are a harmless novelty and many advise retailers sell the candy only to customers 18 or older. They say the candies are flavored with hemp essential oil, which gives them the oily, grassy taste of marijuana.

Other critics fear the Legislature is overstepping its bounds by attempting to legislate taste.

"How will a court determine whether or not the taste of something will fit within the parameters of the bill?" said Republican state Rep. Mark Hatfield.

The measure passed by a 133-26 vote and now moves to the state Senate.