(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Chicago alderman wants tighter state and local controls over synthetic THC products that are getting into the hands of young people.
There may be strict regulation of the manufacturing, sale and distribution of legalized cannabis products, but 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins says a loophole in a federal farm bill leave other intoxicating products unregulated.
Case in point: Products that are laced with THC derived from hemp and boosted through synthetic means and sold to young people at convenience stores and gas stations.
“This illegal, illicit industry has figured out a way to use hemp and artificially enhance the THC using synthetic additives and other things,” Hopkins said at a news conference Thursday.
Hopkins said the products are obviously being marketed to youths with packages that resemble popular snacks – for example, “Trips Ahoy” instead of “Chips Ahoy.”
Dr. Mariah Rahmandar, a specialist at Lurie Children's Hospital, said kids are getting high, and worse.
“Youth in our clinic have reported having a less relaxing high that seems to come and go quickly, feeling more forgetful or scattered, having headaches when they’re using and after they stop,” she said.
Hopkins is introducing ordinances to restrict the sales of these hemp THC products, and he wants state laws, too.
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