Pubdate: Thu, 06 Aug 2015
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2015 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122

POT REGULATION STILL NEEDS AN UPGRADE

Colorado has done a good job at making sure marijuana is packaged 
safely and labeled correctly but a problem develops once edible pot 
is outside of its package.

Stamps and marks that identify the products as containing pot are a 
good solution for the most part, but they don't work for liquids, 
sauces, loose foods such as granola, and even some pot-infused 
candies that look identical to traditional candy.

The worry is that people unaware they are consuming pot will 
accidentally ingest the unmarked food. The biggest fear is children 
will become victims.

Pot proponents say the current packaging and labeling is sufficient.

Pot opponents believe the lack of identification is a crisis. And 
while their rhetoric may be overblown in some cases, they are 
definitely right to be concerned about the candies.

A working group that met last year couldn't come to consensus on 
these loose ends regarding pot identification and the legislature 
also failed to reach an agreement this spring. So the working group 
is back this month to look for a resolution, which by law must be 
reached by year's end.

Both sides need to give a little. Pot opponents should concede that 
pasta sauces and granola are not a serious danger to kids. But 
proponents need to acknowledge the valid concern about candies and sodas.

Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, has suggested a board similar to 
Washington state's model that must rule on products that need a waiver.

Singer's suggestion is for Colorado to come up with clear standards 
and rules about making every product easily identifiable. If a 
manufacturer doesn't believe it can abide by them and wants an 
exemption, it could go before the board for a waiver.

The idea is an intriguing compromise on an issue that could otherwise 
be difficult to resolve.

Both sides have dug in their heels. And there obviously isn't any 
longstanding precedent for how to handle such disputes. But the 
present situation, contrary to the assurances of the marijuana 
industry, is not acceptable. Colorado needs to get this right.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom