New Regulations will Shape Edibles Industry in Colorado

New Colorado edible regulations will go into effect today, October 1, and will henceforth prohibit the sale of edibles that are shaped in child-friendly forms such as small humanoids, animals or fruit. This will help make edibles less appealing to children, but it will also impact the industry as well.

House Bill 1436 was passed by Colorado legislature in April 2016. This bill also requires that text be printed in a larger, 10 point font that must also be bolder, to ensure that anyone can read its warning or information label. That label must be enclosed in a circular or square shape, or highlighted in a bright color. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, these regulations are an important step to protecting individuals who might consume cannabis edibles unsuspectingly. ““These regulations reflect extensive stakeholder input focused on public safety and legislative intent. Marijuana products in shape and branding should not be enticing to children and we want consumers to be educated about the potency of the products they are buying, these rules ensure that to be the case,” stated Mike Hartman, executive director for the Colorado Department of Revenue. “This is an important step in maximizing the state’s public health and safety by keeping marijuana out of the hands of minors and raising consumer awareness.”

Most cannabis businesses are not worried about the change, as it will help the industry continue to grow. “Edible manufacturers are no stranger to changes in production requirements,” explained Chloe Steerman, account executive for The Rosen Group, which represents several edibles companies in Colorado. “Both Wana Brands and Love’s Oven have stayed ahead of the curve—all of their products are already produced in nondescript shapes. In 2016, a requirement was added that all edibles had to be stamped with a symbol reading ‘THC.’ In 2015, a 100mg limit on THC was placed on all retail edibles, which also had to be packaged in 10mg serving sizes.” Starting today, cannabis dispensaries will not be able to sell, transfer or donate any of the offending edibles.

Even if these restrictions are inconvenient for some, they also make the industry look a lot better in the public eye. Once the new law is complied with, the industry can claim that Colorado companies are child-resistant and doing their best to ensure that no one who shouldn’t be trying edibles is getting tempted. Edible gummy enthusiasts can still expect the same level of quality and taste in their products, minus the interactive shapes.