Comment-20405-Suzanne Hume

My name is Suzanne Hume, I am the Educational Director and Founder of CleanEarth4Kids.org. Thank you to OEHHA for your important work to protect public health.

We support mandatory WARNING labels for smoking, vaping or dabbing in all capital letters and in large, bold print with the statement: “increases your cancer risk and, during pregnancy, exposes your child to delta-9-THC and other chemicals that can affect your child’s birth weight, behavior and learning ability.”

Both cannabis smoke and delta-9-THC are known health hazards, listed under Prop 65 as a carcinogen since 2009 and 2020 respectively.

Yet the youth I have spoken to are not only unaware of the serious health risks, but actually believe it to be good for them to use. This lack of education must be addressed as soon as possible.

Multiple studies have shown the recreational use of cannabis and THC in California has increased as has the use of cannabis by pregnant women. THC can cause birth defects and other reproductive problems, it “increases your cancer risk and, during pregnancy, exposes your child to delta-9-THC and other chemicals that can affect your child’s birth weight, behavior and learning ability.”

Research has shown that cannabis and THC containing products are being marketed directly at youth, especially to youth of color, making this a racial, social and environmental justice issue.

There is ample evidence that the use of cannabis is NOT harmless. The precautionary principle demands you take action.

Please make these warnings mandatory and protect our youth and children.

Sincerely,

Suzanne M. Hume
S@CleanEarth4Kids.org
(760) 650-2166
CleanEarth4Kids.org