Ricketts, Sessions Announce “Randy’s Resolution” to Combat Growing Public Health Threat Associated with High-Potency Marijuana and THC Drugs
February 1, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX) introduced “Randy’s Resolution,” outlining the dangers associated with today’s high-potency marijuana and increasingly addictive, commercialized THC drugs. The resolution urges action at the local, state, and federal level to combat the growing public health and safety threat from these dangerous products. Ricketts and Sessions announced the resolution at a press conference with drug policy experts and Randy and Heather Bacchus, who lost their son, Randy, to suicide after suffering a psychotic break brought on by high-potency pot.
“The average THC potency in marijuana has more than tripled since 1995, and it’s killing young Americans like Randy Bacchus Jr.,” said Ricketts. “Randy’s Resolution is a call to arms for every level of government to do more to combat the dangerous, addictive high-potency marijuana products flooding the market today. We can’t stand by and do nothing while the big marijuana lobby gets the next generation addicted to a drug that causes mental health disorders and cognitive impairment.”
“The staggering increase in abuse of potent THC products, and the associated health risks, cannot be ignored,” said Sessions. “High levels of marijuana use pose a significant risk, particularly to our youth, increasing the incidence of psychosis fivefold. I am proud to work with Senator Ricketts to introduce Randy’s Resolution and advocate for better safety and mental health among Americans.”
“Randy’s months-long struggle with psychotic episodes and paranoid delusions didn’t have to happen,” said Heather Bacchus. “Too many people think today’s highly industrialized marijuana is harmless or even, as Randy thought, improving their quality of life. But the reality is far more tragic. We’re here today to ensure other families don’t endure the heartbreaking loss of a son and brother like we’ve suffered.”
“Americans should thank Senator Ricketts and Rep. Sessions for taking a proactive leadership position to address this growing threat to public health,” said former Obama White House drug policy advisor and President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) Dr. Kevin Sabet. “The industry is using high-potency products to hook a new generation of users, especially young people, with increasingly stronger drugs that are having devastating impacts on communities across the nation. We need a comprehensive approach from leaders in Washington and at the state levels to implement potency caps that can protect public health.”
Full text of the resolution can be found below and a PDF is available HERE.
BACKGROUND:
Randy’s Resolution would urge federal, state, and local governments to collaborate with public health organizations, medical professionals, and community stakeholders to develop evidence-based policies that address the public health and safety concerns associated with high-potency marijuana. It would also raise awareness about the danger of these industrialized products including candies, drinks, vape oils and other edible drugs that are often 6 times as potent as regular marijuana. Marijuana remains federally illegal, and few states have enacted potency caps on the industry’s products. High-potency THC drugs are increasingly linked to IQ loss and significant mental health issues including depression, suicidality, psychosis, and schizophrenia.