CONNECTICUT ADMITS MARIJUANA PRODUCTS ARE DANGEROUS, PASSES WARNING LABEL LEGISLATION IN VICTORY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND 

HB 6699 Requires Updated Health Warning Labels for Marijuana, Especially High-Potency THC-Laced Products

(HARTFORD, CT) – Dr. Kevin Sabet, President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) and a former drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton, released the following statement following the passage of Connecticut HB 6699, which will require the placement of warning labels about the negative mental and physical health impacts of today’s high-potency THC products:

“Connecticut’s legislature should be commended for coming to grips with the stark reality that commercialized pot products are dangerous and can harm the mental and physical health of users. The addiction-for-profit industry has worked overtime to try to convince politicians and the public that drug use is safe and ‘recreational.’ The passage of HB 6699 confirms the industry’s claims are a lie. Today’s commercial pot products––laced with THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana––are increasingly associated with depression, suicidality, IQ loss, psychosis and schizophrenia, especially for young people.

“Among the most concerning consequences of legalization and commercialization has been the rise in marijuana use during pregnancy. Even after pregnancy, marijuana use can still present risks for newborns because THC can be found in breast milk for up to six days after use and can impact a newborn’s brain development, resulting in long-term consequences.

“This legislation combats the industry’s false narratives by making it clear that marijuana and THC products are dangerous and may cause ‘long term physical and mental health problems, and have delayed side effects.’ While these warning labels alone won’t stem the tide of addiction, Connecticut has wisely chosen to be honest with the public about the medical science and data that demonstrate the real consequences of marijuana and THC use.”