Fact Check: "Children are accessing psychoactive hemp products in North Carolina."
What We Know
Recent legislative discussions in North Carolina have highlighted concerns regarding children's access to psychoactive hemp products, particularly those containing Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. The North Carolina Senate is currently pushing for a bill that would ban the sale of these products to anyone under the age of 21, as well as prohibit their use on school grounds (source). This initiative has garnered bipartisan support, with lawmakers acknowledging that the current lack of regulation allows minors to easily access these products. For instance, Rep. Carla Cunningham emphasized the need for protective measures, stating, "We needed something in place to protect the children" (source).
Moreover, a recent investigation revealed that convenience stores in North Carolina are selling products that test similarly to marijuana, raising alarms about their availability to minors (source). The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force has also expressed concerns, advocating for stricter regulations to prevent youth access to intoxicating cannabis products (source).
Analysis
The evidence indicates a clear concern among North Carolina lawmakers and child advocacy groups regarding the accessibility of psychoactive hemp products to children. The proposed legislation aims to impose stricter regulations on the sale and distribution of these products, which are often marketed in ways that appeal to younger audiences. For example, the Senate bill includes provisions for child-resistant packaging and restrictions on product shapes that could attract children (source).
The reliability of the sources discussing these legislative efforts is high, as they include statements from state lawmakers and reports from established news organizations. The bipartisan nature of the support for these regulations further underscores the seriousness of the issue. However, it is important to note that while the legislative measures are in progress, the current lack of restrictions means that children can still access these products, as highlighted by Senate leader Phil Berger's comments about the "Wild West" nature of the current hemp market in North Carolina (source).
Conclusion
The claim that "children are accessing psychoactive hemp products in North Carolina" is True. Legislative actions and statements from lawmakers confirm that there is a significant concern regarding minors' access to these products, prompting efforts to regulate their sale and distribution more strictly. The ongoing discussions and proposed bills reflect a recognition of the potential risks associated with unregulated psychoactive substances available to children.
Sources
- NC Senate seeks ban on synthetic hemp and new regs for Delta 9, THC products
- NC Senate moves to ban youth hemp sales, regulate kratom
- NC lawmakers look to crack down on psychoactive hemp products
- N.C. child advocacy group calls for regulation of cannabis
- North Carolina's S265 Bill: Hemp Industry Regulations Explained
