Res. No. 1082
Resolution denouncing the sale, promotion and marketing of pot-flavored candy in New York City and calling upon New York City stores to stop selling pot-flavored candy.
By Council Members Lopez, Avella, Barron, Comrie, Palma, Sanders Jr., Stewart, Vallone Jr. and Weprin
Whereas, Chronic candy, presently found in hundreds of stores across the nation and 43 stores across New York City, is a hemp-based, marijuana-flavored lollipop and gumdrop line; and
Whereas, Although the candy, which is sold in “nickel bags” and “20 sacks,” does not contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, it does embrace drug culture and glamorizes drug use; and
Whereas, The candy’s slogan, “every lick is like taking a hit,” and endorsements by celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton, further perpetuates an unhealthy culture clearly visible to children; and
Whereas, Even though the founder of Chronic candy, Antonio Montana and many of the store owners concede that the candy should not be for child consumption, there is currently no way to guarantee that these pot-pops and gum drops will not find their way into the hands of young children; and
Whereas, Some local legislative bodies, such as the Suffolk County Legislature, have already adopted legislation prohibiting the sale and purchase of marijuana flavored candy; and
Whereas, While millions of federal, state and local dollars are spent educating children about the detrimental effects of drug use, the marketing of such products has an adverse impact upon those programs; and
Whereas, New York City is in the forefront on the war against drugs and all New Yorkers have the responsibility to reject such blatant solicitation of drugs to youths and should demand that the candy be taken off the market; now, therefore, be it
ResolvedD, That the Council of the City of New York denounces the sale, promotion and marketing of pot-flavored candy in New York City and calling upon New York City stores to stop selling pot-flavored candy.
NK 02-25-05
LS#2215
06.23.05
TO: Council Member Lopez
FROM: GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
RE: A Resolution denouncing the sale, promotion and marketing of pot-flavored candy in New York City and calling upon New York City stores to stop selling pot-flavored candy.
The attached material was prepared by the Governmental Affairs Division. If this material is to be introduced, please indicate below that you have received and approved the draft and please then forward six copies to Gifford Miller, Speaker, City Hall. Please also forward two copies of the memorandum in support to the Speaker’s Office.
If you want to amend or alter the draft, please contact Thomas S. Ferrugia (788-9188). In the event that you revise the attached and submit it in revised form, please send us a copy as soon as possible.
_______________________ ____________________________
Approved as to Form THEODORE BAECHER
Not Content Deputy Director
Governmental Affairs Division
LS# 2215 ____________________________
THOMAS S. FERRUGIA
Legislative Attorney
Gifford Miller:
Please introduce this legislation. My approval is/is not (please circle where appropriate) needed for co-sponsorship.
__________________________
Council Member's Signature