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Marijuana-Shaped Candy Concerns Parents, Officials

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – There's a controversial candy being sold in South Florida and across the country that some fear is sending kids the wrong message.

The candies are shaped like marijuana plants and sold in the form of lollipops, gummy sours, and ring pops.

The "Sour Apple Ring Pots" and "Pothead Lollipops" are made of sugar and artificial coloring but parents and anti-drug activists say the sweets represent a new low.

pothead ring pot
(CBS4) Controversial candy shaped like marijuana plants and sold in the form of lollipops, gummy sours, and ring pops are being sold in South Florida and other parts of the country.

The candies are distributed to about 1,000 retailers around the country, including some in South Florida.

According to the Sun Sentinel, "To the Moon," a candy and novelty store in Wilton Manors, is sold out of the candies. When it is in stock, it will only allow adults to buy the candy.

Drug-control advocates say the product could encourage young people to use real drugs even though there is no marijuana in the candies.

The packaging includes a pot-smoking, peace-sign waving caricature and the word "Legalize."

The distributor, Philadelphia-based Kalan LP, says the product sells well and they have simply spotted a trend in the marketplace and making products to capitalize on those trends.

The companies' owner, Andrew Kalan, says despite the fact that the wrappers say "Legalize" and the packaging certainly seems geared toward children, his motivation is purely business.

There is already a move to have the candy banned in stores in New York.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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