Chocolate-flavored Meth? Marijuana gumballs?

I nearly fell out of my seat when I saw the press release from the office of Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum this week warning parents across Florida about a new trend in the world of illegal drugs: Dealers are adding candy flavors to drugs like Methamphetamines, heroin and marijuana.

In the end, some of the drugs look like popular candies, such as pop rocks or rock candy.

For drug dealers, the idea is brilliant. For parents of teens and younger children, it couldn't be more frightening.

It's hard enough to convince kids not to dabble with drugs, given how rampant they are in schools and on the streets nowadays. When I was young, parents usually waited for their children to hit high school before they had the "drug talk". Now they have to start dissuading kids still in elementary school.

And this trend just makes the whole situation even harder. For instance, Meth, which is sometimes called "Speed," has a bitter taste. To make it more appealing to users, dealers are apparently adding flavors like chocolate and strawberry. Some even add lollipops and high-sugar sodas to their drug recipes so they taste better for first-time users.

While McCollum's office did not provide photos of these drugs, a quick Internet search reveals drugs made to look like rock candy or other sweet snacks. Just Google "candy-flavored drugs" and you'll see what I mean. Check out the Attorney General's Web site for more details.

I think something much more sinister is going on here. Sure, drug dealers are continually looking for ways to make their products more desirable. They'll do anything to increase sales.

But I think this about much more than making heroin or pot better tasting. It's about getting future generations hooked on drugs to make more money.

Many young people already believe drugs are not so bad. And when you hear about rampant drug use, whether illicit or prescription, with so-called role models and pop stars like Britney Spears, Heath Ledger and Amy Winehouse, it becomes even more difficult to steer children away from the drug culture.

My son is only 3-years old. I didn't expect to even think about our "drug talk" for years. But he knows what candy is, so I guess that talk will come sooner than I had hoped for.

I just hope they have an "Elmo Says Drugs Are Bad" DVD out soon. That might help.

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