SLED Presents on THC Consumables During LCAHY Board Meeting

Major Frank O’Neal of Narcotics, Alcohol, and Vice Services of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) presented “THC Consumables and Public Safety” during the LowCountry Alliance for Healthy Youth’s Community Board Meeting in April. Major O’Neal’s presentation informed individuals of the many consumable THC products such as candy, chips, and drinks. The presentation educated about the existing laws on hemp and THC, including the loopholes in the legislation. For instance, beverages with THC are hard to regulate because the current laws call for the regulation of dry hemp weight of .3%, which does not apply to beverages infused with THC. Major O’Neal’s presentation also showcased how the marijuana industry is marketing products specifically to youth to get lifelong users to increase profits. Maj. O’Neal indicated that there has been a 198.19% increase in daily marijuana use over the last twenty years. Major O’Neal shared that multiple violent crimes in SC were committed under the use of marijuana. Overall, the presentation concluded that marijuana is a major health and safety concern for South Carolina and Americans nationwide.  LCAHY’s 12-month Action Plan addresses youth use of marijuana and uses the 7 Strategies of Change to minimize youth use and access to marijuana products. LCAHY recently conducted an environmental scan of local vape shops and will use the data collected from the scan and SLED’s presentation to update its 12-month action plan.