Marijuana Edibles: Colorado Officials Want Ban On Some, Strict Regulations On Others

marijauna candies — Marijuana edibles: Colorado health officials want clear markers and bans on some edibles. A marijuana-infused sour gummy bear candy, left, is shown next to a regular one at right in a photo illustration in Golden, Oct. 17, 2014. As children around the country prepare their costumes in anticipation of Halloween goodies on Oct. 31, police in Colorado are warning parents that some treats may not be all they seem. Since Colorado and Washington this year became the first U.S. states to allow recreational sales of pot to adults, much of the public debate has focused on marijuana-infused products such as chocolates, cookies and candies, given their potential to attract children or be eaten accidentally. Reuters/Rick Wilking

Colorado health officials want to ban marijuana-infused edibles like brownies, cookies and candy, the Associated Press reported Monday. The Health Department cited concerns that marijuana treats are “naturally attractive to children.”

Colorado regulators met Monday to discuss a number of concerns about pot candy and treats. They have already put in place rules that require manufacturers to make it clear how much THC, the psychoactive ingredient, is in their products, according to the Associated Press. Washington has similar rules in place.

The Denver Police Department released a video earlier this month warning parents that regular candy and marijuana-infused candy can often look nearly identical and to be wary of pot candy and treats this Halloween. The video has been viewed nearly 63,000 times. Health workers, particularly in the Denver area, said they’ve treated a growing number of both adults and children who became sick after eating edible marijuana treats.

Colorado Health Department says pot-infused treats are "naturally attractive to children," should be off store shelves.
- Kristen Wyatt (@APkristenwyatt) October 20, 2014

Colorado Health Department's recommendation says only forms of edible pot on shelves should be tinctures and lozenges
- Kristen Wyatt (@APkristenwyatt) October 20, 2014

This latest meeting could lead to requirements on manufacturers to clearly label or color their products in a way that would make them clearly distinguishable as being infused with marijuana. Portions of the statement by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment can be seen via AP reporter Kristen Wyatt’s Twitter.

Colorado became the first state in the U.S. to legalize recreational marijuana this year. Colorado voters made medical marijuana legal in 2000.

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