Washington Bans Production of Gummy and Hard Candy Edibles

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]T[/dropcap]he Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) has ordered local edibles makers to cease production of cannabis-infused gummies and hard candies, warning that they may appeal to small children.

During a meeting last week, the WSLCB announced all production of hard candy, tarts, fruit chews, colorful chocolates, jellies and any gummy products should stop, as they would not qualify to be sold under new regulations that take effect Jan. 1. Regulators said such edibles would fall under the state’s definition of cannabis-infused products that could be appealing to children, which the state prohibits. Licensed retailers are permitted to sell the products until either they run out of stock or April 3, 2019—whichever comes first.

Brian Smith, Communications Director of the WSLCB, said the Board received concerns rom the public and from stakeholders regarding some of the edible products being sold in stores. “The concerns were sent directly to the Board and through their review they too had concerns with some edible candies we had approved,” Smith said.

Chocolates, mints, caramels and cookies will still be allowed, albeit with new limitations on their appearance. Products that won’t be allowed include chocolate that is coated, dipped, or sprayed with any color, cookies with sprinkles or frosting and mints that are colored. Edibles also won’t be allowed to come in colors, shapes, or designs that are “especially appealing to children.”

States such as California have already passed laws prohibiting cannabis-infused edibles that appeal to children. California’s Assembly Bill 350 aims to ban edibles that resemble traditional candies in the shapes of animals, fruit or commercially produced candies and food.

Not much more information has been given to people in the industry and the only criteria businesses have to go off of is listed in a presentation that was distributed by the WSLCB. All products and labels must be re-submitted to the WSLCB to ensure they meet the new criteria due to the rule change that goes into effect next year.