Colorado May Be Tightening Rules for Edibles

Health professionals, public health officials, critics of legalization, as well as parents have been concerned about the manufacture and sale of edibles in Colorado. In addition to emergency room cases involving children who have accidentally ingested unmarked pot-infused treats, some adults have suffered negative symptoms and side effects because of over-consumption. Now Colorado is looking to tighten laws related to serving sizes, portions, and packaging under new rules adopted by state officials.

According to the Denver Post, the new guidelines were drafted in response to growing concerns that young or inexperienced consumers could suffer harm. Legislators also hope to minimize the number of consumers taking maximum levels of THC in a single edible. Our Orange County marijuana attorneys are experienced in representing medical marijuana users in California. We also represent growers and dispensary owners to ensure compliance and provide criminal defense in the event of a raid, investigation or if charges are filed. We are abreast of changing marijuana laws in California and nationwide to help prevent liability.

Under new Colorado laws, packages can still contain up to 100 milligrams of THC, but the products must be able to be broken into pieces that have 10 milligrams or less. This allows inexperienced users to ingest the drug and absorb the THC more slowly. Colorado state law has standardized the edible serving to contain 10 milligrams or less. Manufacturers will now have to place all edibles in child resistant packaging before they are sent to stores. Prior to this change, distributors sent edibles to stores, where they were packaged on-site. In addition to edibles, liquids must also be in child-resistant containers. If passed, the new rules will go into effect November 1, 2014.

The new laws were developed by Colorado health officials, industry leaders, regulators, and activists. As Colorado policy continues to shape itself, advocates and officials must prioritize public health and safety. The Marijuana Enforcement Division of Colorado is charged with ensuring that regulations are in place.

In addition to understanding potency and serving size, those consuming marijuana edibles should follow some of the safety guidelines set forth by officials:

Take low doses and eat slowly. Each user should start with a 10 milligram dosage and wait before consuming more. It may take time to fully experience the “high” of an edible.

Do not mix with alcohol. Consuming alcohol and cannabis edibles can have unpredictable results. The results can be magnified and result in nausea or other undesirable side effects.

Make sure edibles are labeled. If you keep cannabis edibles in your home, make sure they are appropriately labeled and kept out of the reach of children.

Do not drive after eating cannabis-infused products. While the “safe” levels of THC and driving are not yet determined, edibles can have a far different effect than smoking.

Recreational pot use is not legal in California and any grower, user, or distributor should be aware of the regulatory and potential criminal liabilities that could arise with possession or sale. Dispensary owners, business operators and users should consult with an advocate about their rights involving edibles and marijuana laws.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

More Blog Entries:
Cannabiz May Finally Be Able to Use the U.S. Banking System, February 13, 2014, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyer Blog
Doctors Continuing Education on Medical Marijuana, July 8, 2014, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyer Blog