Dunn’s proposed legislation (A5210) is designed to ensure children do not have easy access to cannabis. Under the bill, packages containing cannabis may not be designed in a way that appeals to children; certain warning labels would be required on all packages; and, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission will be required to report on the adverse effects cannabis has on children.
“An increasing number of children are gaining access to cannabis products following the legalization of adult-use recreational marijuana in New Jersey. Children are overdosing on edibles, not only because they are legal, but because they resemble benign candies and treats,” Dunn said. “It is time the Legislature put the proper safeguards in place to protect children by codifying the packaging regulations created by the cannabis commission.”
In addition to these precautions, Dunn’s proposed legislation also outlines penalties: If an adult does not properly store their cannabis, and a child 16 and under gains access to it, that adult would be charged with a disorderly person’s offense.