GOLDEN, Colo. — A Colorado task force searching for a way to comply with a new law requiring edible marijuana to have a distinct look made no progress on Monday after four meetings of debate.
A group of regulators, law enforcement, parent groups and edible-pot makers wrapped up a final task force meeting with no consensus or votes on what marijuana-infused foods and drinks should look like.
The members have mostly argued about whether it would be possible to make sure the wide variety of pot-infused products don’t look like regular foods. Instead, marijuana regulators decided to send lawmakers several proposals.
“We’ll be sending lawmakers a variety of options,” said Barbara Brohl, head of the Department of Revenue, which regulates the new pot industry.
That variety is wide.
The state Health Department called for new markings to go on marijuana products, with a future commission to be set up to pre-approve items what kinds of foods can be made with marijuana.
“We are concerned that the products look enticing to children,” said Jeff Lawrence, the agency’s representative on the workgroup.
Policy makers say edible pot products that can’t be easily marked, such as granola or liquids, should simply be banned.
“We always need to keep public safety and public health as the top priority,” said Mario Vasquez, police chief in Erie and the representative from the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police.
But through four long and contentious meetings, the marijuana-industry representatives called those suggestions unworkable and illegal. The voter-approved constitutional amendment legalizing pot makes it legal in all forms, making it doubtful whether a ban on certain kinds of pot candy would be vulnerable to legal challenge.
“At some point the consumer has to take responsibility,” said Bob Eschino, head of Medically Correct, which makes the popular IncrEdibles line of marijuana-infused candies.
The ultimate decision will be made by the state Legislature, which passed the requirement earlier this year. The law says recreational edible marijuana on store shelves must have a distinct look by 2016.
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