Maine considers banning sale of energy drinks to minors in wake of Blow and Cocaine controversies

The Maine State Legislature is considering legislation that would ban the sale of energy drinks to minors.  The legislation defines energy drinks as soft drinks containing 80 or more milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces, advertised specifically to provide energy, and generally including a combination of methylxanthines, B vitamins and herbal ingredients.

The Maine press is reporting that Rep. Troy Jackson wants to put energy drinks in the same category as tobacco and alcohol.

The legislation comes in the wake of other recent controversies surrounding energy drinks such as the introduction of Blow energy drink mix, designed to look like cocaine in a vial, and Cocaine, which the FDA pulled from the market but was reintroduced with a slightly modified label and marketing message.  Even Playboy introduced an energy drink last week, evidence of a growing popular market.

Thank you to William Mitchell College of Law student Jessica Webster for preparing this post.