Washington Edibles Makers Fear Big Changes to Regulations

An Instagram post created panic for edibles makers in Washington. The Liquor and Cannabis Board saw the post and became concerned with how similar some of the products look to non-marijuana products. The regulators said that some of the candies look too close to Pop Rocks, Airheads Xtremes Sour Belts and Peachie O’s.

The board immediately reviews all marijuana-infused candies in the state that already received approval, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. Initially, the board said that production of all of these types of products – including gummies, colorful chocolates, tarts, fruit chews and hard candies – would have to stop. Those in the industry panicked and the board agreed to hold off on making a concrete decision for 30 days.

The board wanted input on how to move forward with selling edibles but in a manner where the items were not appealing to children. Washington law prohibits products that seem appealing to children.

Andy Brassington of Evergreen Herbal said, “It was a bombshell.”

Edibles account for about 9% of the state’s marijuana sales. Brightly colored items, cotton candy, suckers/lollipops and gummy candies are already prohibited. These items, however, lack definition in the law.

A new recommendation from the Liquor and Cannabis Board has not been offered yet.