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Federal Government Considers Ban on THC-Infused Gummies and Drinks

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. iders-ban-on-thc-infused-gummies-and-drinks.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 18:51 GMT by KTVZ

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Federal Government Weighs Ban on THC‑Infused Gummies and Drinks
November 22, 2025 – KTVZ News

The United States federal government is moving toward a hard‑line regulatory approach that could outlaw the sale of THC‑infused gummies and other sweet‑treats, a move that would have sweeping implications for the rapidly growing cannabis‑edible market. The announcement, which emerged from an internal memo released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to key stakeholders, comes amid growing public‑health concerns over the rise in accidental overdoses, especially among adolescents, and the lack of consistent dosing and labeling standards across the industry.

What the Memo Says

At the core of the federal push is the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), which has been tasked with enforcing the 2020 “cannabis and cannabinoids” rule that treats cannabis-derived products as drugs requiring FDA approval. According to the memo, CDER is now preparing to issue a rule that would specifically ban the production, distribution, and sale of THC‑infused edible products that are flavored as candy or desserts, including gummies, sweets, chocolate, and drinks.

Key points from the memo include:

The memo also references a 2023 study published in JAMA Pediatrics that found a 35 % rise in ED visits for accidental THC‑gummy ingestion among teenagers between 2019 and 2022, underscoring the public‑health urgency driving the proposed ban.

Contextual Links and Additional Insights

The article includes several hyperlinks that provide deeper context:

1. FDA’s 2020 “Cannabis and Cannabinoids” Rule
   The link redirects to the FDA’s official guidance that classifies cannabis products as drugs. This rule requires manufacturers to submit New Drug Applications (NDAs) for any product containing THC, which has effectively stymied the growth of the edible sector since it imposes the same regulatory burden as prescription drugs.

2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Report on Edible THC Use
   The article cites a NIDA report highlighting that 1 in 10 high school seniors has tried a THC‑infused edible in the past year, a statistic that is used to frame the argument that these products are a “gateway” to other forms of cannabis use.

3. Department of Justice (DOJ) Statement on Enforcement
   The DOJ’s link shows a brief statement indicating that federal enforcement will target not just manufacturers but also retail outlets that sell these products without proper licensing. The DOJ notes that the federal ban would align with existing state laws that prohibit flavored edibles marketed to minors.

4. Industry Trade Group Response
   A link to a press release from the American Cannabis Association (ACA) shows the industry’s pushback. The ACA argues that the ban would "destroy jobs," "harm consumers who rely on low‑dose, precisely labeled products," and that state regulations already serve as adequate safeguards.

5. Medical Professional Opinion
   The article also links to an opinion piece by Dr. Emily Carter, a toxicologist at the University of Michigan, who emphasizes the importance of accurate dosing and the dangers of “dose‑and‑hope” products. Dr. Carter’s piece highlights that many edible manufacturers do not use standardized dosing protocols, leading to unpredictable THC levels in each product.

Potential Consequences

For the Market

A federal ban would effectively dismantle a significant portion of the legal cannabis economy. Analysts estimate that the edible segment accounts for about 40 % of the U.S. cannabis market, translating to roughly $2.3 billion in annual sales. Job losses would ripple through cultivation, processing, packaging, and retail sectors.

For Public Health

Proponents of the ban argue that it would drastically reduce accidental overdoses among minors. They point to the rising number of high‑dose “high‑potency” gummies that can contain up to 30 mg of THC per gummy—four times the typical recommended dose for new users. However, critics counter that outright bans may push consumers toward unregulated, black‑market products that lack quality control, potentially increasing the risk of contamination.

For State Laws

States that have already enacted flavored‑edible bans would see their laws reinforced, while others might face increased pressure to tighten regulations. The interplay between federal and state law remains a contentious issue, especially as federal enforcement could conflict with state licensure and licensing processes.

Industry and Public Reaction

The article reports that industry trade groups and several large distributors have already filed briefs with the FDA, urging the agency to adopt a more measured approach, such as stricter labeling requirements and a cap on maximum THC concentration per product. A coalition of consumer advocacy groups, however, applauded the memo, stating that it reflects a “long‑overdue response to the crisis of accidental pediatric overdoses.”

Public opinion appears split. A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center indicates that 57 % of respondents support a federal ban on flavored THC edibles, while 32 % oppose it, citing concerns about personal freedom and the potential for job loss.

What Happens Next?

The FDA will open a 60‑day public comment period in early 2026, during which stakeholders—including manufacturers, distributors, medical experts, and consumer advocates—can submit written comments. The agency will weigh these inputs and potentially revise its proposed rule. If the FDA proceeds, the ban would take effect within a year, subject to judicial review and possible appeals from industry groups.

The federal government’s decision to weigh a ban on THC gummies and drinks marks a turning point in the cannabis regulatory landscape. Whether the industry can adapt to stricter labeling, precise dosing, and alternative product formats will determine how the market evolves in the years to come.