Letter: Proper regulation of THC

Mr. Mike Sigler in his essay regarding legalization of marijuana (Tompkins Weekly, April 28-May 4) makes several essential points about the legalization of THC (the principle “recreational” cannabinoid of marijuana).

For the past 4 or 5 years I have lectured several times about experiences in states which have regulated THC inadequately. Overdoses, psychosis, suicides, and ingestion by children has resulted. New York can avoid this by using these lessons learned to address several important areas.

With the passage of the law, we now enter the most important part of the process — the crafting of rules and regulations which, if done properly, will reflect those lessons learned. Amongst the issues that rules and regulations control will be the marketing, packaging, and labeling of THC — all of which are essential to protect the public’s health.

The rules and regulations must ensure that:

• Packaging and product shapes are not attractive to children and adolescents
• Individual units of the product do not require splitting to ensure a safe dose
• “Dosing” information reflects how quickly the desired effects of the product can be expected and for how long to anticipate them to last and how to avoid overdosing
• Cautions are on the package addressing how to recognize adverse effects and overdosing and what to do if they should occur
• Marketing is not attractive to children and adolescents and advertising venues limit exposure to them
• Surveillance of outlets is conducted to identify retailers who are not in compliance

 

The reader can play an important role in this by expressing your concern that these matters be addressed in the rules/regulations. You do not necessarily need to be an expert in the details, but it is important that rule makers know that these areas concern you. Comments from the public are considered in the process of crafting rules and regulations. Email your comments to: info@cannabis.ny.gov.

 

William Klepack M.D.

Medical Director

Tompkins County Health Department