ATLANTA — All across the metro, we have seen vape and smoke shops popping up, but if a new proposed law passes, buyers will have to be 21 to purchase many of the items the shops currently sell.
“We absolutely have to get out there and protect these children,” said State Senator Randy Robertson.
He’s among those backing SB 350, a measure that would prohibit the sale of consumable hemp and synthetic marijuana derivatives to anyone under 21 years old.
“The studies are showing that not only in Georgia but all over the country that the emergency room visits are up because of the use of these products and the products that are being used in vapes are causing serious concerns within our schools,” Robertson added.
The current age to purchase hemp and other cannabis derivatives products is 18, the proposed law would up the age to 21 -- matching the age requirement to buy tobacco products or alcohol.
Robertson hopes this will help eliminate the effort to target the younger generation.
However, not everyone is in support of the measure.
“The issue I have with SB 350 is that raising the age doesn’t confront other problems that happen in the state of Georgia,” said Christopher Bruce with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Bruce added he worries that SB 350 will criminalize the use of products that are unregulated and are being purchased legally.
“Unfortunately, Georgia has a horrible record of trying to criminalize conduct when they shouldn’t. And let me be perfectly clear. There are Democrats and Republicans who are signed onto this bill. But again, their purpose is misguided," Bruce said. "When it comes down to this, we need the expansion of cannabis for several reasons because we woefully lack in healthcare."
Still, others like Senator Robinson stand by their support for the bill.
“Sometimes it’s not popular because it seems like we’re being a little too tough. But I’ll be honest with you, I’d rather be tough and be unpopular right now than have to attend the funeral of some young kid,” Robertson said.
11Alive reached out to different vape shops in the area to get their take on the matter – but they declined to comment. The measure still needs to pass the full Senate and then the House before it could be adopted.