In a recent government meeting, officials expressed growing concerns over the marketing and accessibility of CBD products to children, highlighting a troubling trend that has led to hospitalizations among young users. Participants noted that many CBD items, particularly gummies, are designed to resemble candy, making them appealing to children. This has resulted in at least one case per month where children mistakenly consume these products, leading to lethargy and other health issues.
One alarming incident involved a child who purchased CBD gummies online, which were legal in California but illegal in their home state. The child, acting as a small-scale entrepreneur, sold the gummies for a significant profit, underscoring the ease with which minors can access these products.
Officials emphasized the need for stricter regulations and better communication among juvenile courts to address the rising cases related to CBD consumption among minors. The Quest program, utilized by juvenile courts, is being leveraged to compile data and statistics to better understand the scope of the issue across the state of Tennessee. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among courts to tackle the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of CBD products marketed toward children.