New Mexico lawmakers are considering a bill to ban cannabis edibles that could be appealing to children, and another bill that would train teachers in identifying cannabis products and when students may have consumed them.
New Mexico Bills Would Ban Edibles That Could Appeal to Children & Create Cannabis Education Plan
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Two legislative proposals in New Mexico would tweak the state’s cannabis laws, including a ban on edibles that could appeal to children, the creation of educational materials for teachers to identify cannabis products and when students consumed them, and ad campaigns aimed to prevent children from using cannabis, KOB4 reports.
The bill sponsored by Rep. Andrea Reeb (R) would prohibit edible cannabis products from mimicking the design or style of other products that are safe for children, including a ban on cartoon characters, celebrities, or other visuals commonly used to advertise to children. Andrew Vallejos, Cannabis Control Division acting director, said those rules already exist under the state’s legalization law but that the proposal would enhance those regulations.
“It’s little tweaks like that, that the industry didn’t, you know, that nobody saw the first time around. So you don’t see until you implement it. Any areas where the Legislature can clarify legislative intent, we welcome it.” — Vallejos to KOB4
The education and advertising bill, also sponsored by Reeb comes after elementary school students in the state were hospitalized after ingesting cannabis-infused candies last April.
The packaging bill was unanimously approved by the House and Human Services Committee last week. The education measure is in the same committee.
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