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Editorial: A loss of innocence

Monday, June 27, 2005 | 8:34 a.m.

In days past, nothing was more innocent than a lollipop. They came in many flavors and children loved them. There were 1-cent flat lollipops and 2-cent round lollipops. The prices have changed over the years but they have remained a symbol of childhood.

Now the innocent enjoyment of a lollipop is threatened. Two candy companies are making them with hemp oil, which doesn't produce a high but does produce a marijuana-like flavor. They say adults are the targeted market, but outside of the late actor Telly Savalas, we're not aware of much adult consumption of lollipops. Chronic Candy, based in Corona, Calif., sells its lollipops in "nickel bags," street talk for bags of marijuana that sell for $5. Its advertising says, "Every lick is like taking a hit." ICUP, based in Trenton, N.J., advertises its lollipops as "Pot Suckers," and says they "taste like the real deal."

Steven Trachtenberg, president of ICUP, sought to absolve himself of any responsibility when he told USA Today that "we try" to sell the lollipops in venues that are not "kid friendly." "It's up to parents to police their kids," he said.

It's also up to entrepreneurs to be responsible.

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