By Gene Mills, Louisiana Family Forum president
BATON ROUGE, La. (LFF) — Recently, the Advocate published an article discussing consumable THC (psychoactive drug) available in gas stations and convenience stores throughout Louisiana. Although the author provides a treasure trove of data, he ignores the inherent danger of “gas station heroin,” while glorifying profits to the sellers and the state
It has long been the policy of Louisiana and federal law, that THC either in the marijuana or the hemp is a dangerous drug and should not be randomly available. In the last decade, lawmakers have conditionally allowed the controlled growing and dispensing of medicinal marijuana for patients under the supervision of a physician. Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Louisiana and hemp- derived THC entrepreneurs are making a mockery of our law by exploiting a loophole created when hemp farming was approved for industrial use. This industry purports to sell THC-infused products to adults, but they also migrate into the hands of minors.
Hemp is extremely low in THC, that’s how the former leadership sold this Cannabis Cabal to the Legislature. So, to remedy naturally-THC-bereft hemp, entrepreneurs use processes which multiply THC levels. Additionally, nothing prevents manufacturers from including unsafe chemicals, unhealthy processes or to enhance THC in unsanitary settings, even by foreign adversaries. Tests by the independent U.S. Cannabis Council reveal pesticides, heavy metals and “clearly illegal quantities” of THC. Health risks are “a major consumer safety issue, posing dangers greater than the ‘vape crisis’ of 2019.” For example, a St. Landry Parish dad found his underage son unconscious after he ingested THC gummies bought at a gas station. An Assumption Parish mom was arrested after her child consumed an over-the-counter THC product. Baton Rouge and New Orleans schools are investigating incidents involving THC edibles on campus. It should be noted that there is no requirement that THC laced products be manufactured in Louisiana under our laws.
The Advocate advertisement glossed over how the cabal began. The original author of the bill to allow hemp in Louisiana assured legislators the bill wouldn’t lead to the sale of mind-altering products. In fact, the bill authorized a disguised version of recreational marijuana consisting of synthetic products that do get people very high. It makes no sense to believe the legislature intended to strictly control marijuana, while legalizing cannabis-chewables sold at grocery stores, gas stations and anywhere there’s a cash register. If legislators want tight guidelines on THC, then Senate Bill 237 by Sen. Thomas Pressly is the bill to support. It allows ZERO THC in consumable hemp products. Only a complete ban of hemp- intoxicants can safeguard public health. Arguments for ‘regulating” THC products — like Dustin Millers HB 952 — are a green light for THC and are unpersuasive. All for profit arguments are based on commercial interest not public health, safe highways, children or Louisiana law. If ‘gas station heroin’ is not the intent of this legislature, then the join Louisiana Family Forum, La Baptist and the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association in urging the House Criminal Justice committee to ban these dangerous drugs and prevent harm from happening to your family.
Click here to ask lawmakers to say “NO to THC” by voting “YES on SB237!”
