Pot-shaped candy outrages activists, lawmakers

Bagged candies shaped like marijuana are showing up in stores around the country, and anti-drug activists and city officials speaking out to get them removed from retail store shelves.

According to AP, the “Pothead Ring Pots,” “Pothead Lollipops” and other candies don’t contain any ingredients to get kids high, but New York lawmakers have spoken out against the candy’s image and the possible consequences of promoting a drug-like candy.

In a recent city council meeting in Buffalo, New York, Council Member Darius G. Pridgen criticized the local businesses that sold it and said he would do as much as he could to embarrass the owner of the store, according to UPI.

He said he would do it to “let the citizens of the city know that we have people who are making money off of selling the depiction of marijuana in stores.”

The AP reported:

The sour apple-flavored candy contains nothing illegal, but with its marijuana leaf, the word "Legalize" and a joint-smoking, peace sign-waving user on the packaging, critics say it's not only in poor taste but an invitation to try the real thing.

Andrew Kalan, president of the company that distributes the drug shaped lollipops, said the bagged candy does promote the legalization of marijuana.

Featured on the bags are catchphrases like, “Hey man, pass the bag,” “Legalize” and “Providing you with candy that meets our HIGH STANDARDS,” according to Buffalo News.