Pubdate: Sat, 22 Aug 2015
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2015 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122

SENSIBLE RULES ON EDIBLES PACKAGING

Marijuana edibles should be able to be identified when they are 
outside of their packages, and the state is finally closing in on a 
solution to what has been a vexing problem for too long.

The Marijuana Enforcement Division is proposing a new pot symbol - an 
octagon stop-sign shape with the letters "THC," for pot's 
psychoactive ingredient - be affixed to individual items, not just to 
packaging labels.

This is close to being a good solution. But the symbol should lose 
the stop sign. Edible marijuana is legal in Colorado, and a stop sign 
is akin to asking the industry to put a skull and cross bones on items.

The purpose should be to alert the unwary that the product contains 
marijuana, not necessarily to tell people they shouldn't consume it. 
That's their decision.

The argument for the stop sign is to prevent children from 
accidentally ingesting pot. But would it? Why would a 5-year-old 
pause when seeing the symbol?

Keeping pot away from kids is an adult responsibility, just as it is 
with other drugs.

Nevertheless, all pot edibles outside of their packaging should carry 
some identifiable indicator, such as the letters "THC."

Other rules that will be open to public discussion on Aug. 31 are 
also on track.

One would ban the word "candy" from being associated with marijuana 
products, even if they are sweets like suckers or gummy chews. Good idea.

Another rule justly forbids manufacturers from buying candy in bulk, 
spraying it with cannabis concentrate and reselling it as edible pot.

And another would limit liquid marijuana products to single-serve 
packages, such as those containing 10 milligrams of marijuana.

A bill passed in 2014 requires the state to have edible marijuana 
rules in place by January. But previous efforts to draft regulations 
have been stymied by disagreements between pot critics and manufacturers.

The new proposals don't ban anything. They are common-sense solutions 
to making edibles recognizable and safer.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom