Since the Food and Drug Administration approved it in March of 2015, 27 states have passed legislation banning the sale of the powdered alcohol product, ‘Palcohol.’
Now, California is looking to become the 28th state to ban its sale.
California State Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) and Assemblywoman Jaqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) have introduced companion measures in their respective houses that would ban the sale of powdered alcohol in California. Palcohol, they say, could be easily abused by children and teens and is made even more attractive by its ease of use.
They argue there is the potential for it to be snorted, added to the drinks of unknowing recipients, or added to drinks that already have booze in them to make them even stronger.
The powder can be combined with water or virtually any non-alcoholic mixer to create an instant cocktail like a Cosmopolitan or a Margarita. Creator Mark Phillips says many of the concerns that are the basis for the statewide bans are unfounded and lists a number of them on the product’s website.
“Liquid alcohol,” the site says, “is easier to conceal, easier to spike drinks and easier to use to binge drink. It’s much less expensive and allows someone to get drunk faster, both of which appeal to the underage drinker.”
Should Palcohol be banned in California? Do you think the concerns surrounding the product are justified or unfounded? Do you see any difference between alcohol in liquid form and alcohol in powdered form?
Guests:
Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), State Assemblywoman representing California’s 44th District, which includes Oxnard, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks. She introduced AB 1554, the Assembly legislation to ban the sale of powdered alcohol in California. She tweets from
Mark Phillips, Creator of the powdered alcoholic drink product ‘Palcohol’