Cannabis edibles are harder to regulate than flower in some ways. Flower, if grown correctly, is easy to test for contaminants and potency. Cannabis edibles have more factors to consider. Since edibles also contain some cannabis flower, the issues that revolve around flower are present. But there are additional factors that are involved when creating cannabis edibles.
One factor, which is true of cooking/baking anything (cannabis or otherwise), is whether or not the edibles were prepared in a sanitary workspace. Creating the right dose is another thing that is tricky. One thing that a lot of people don’t take into consideration is calculating for food allergies. How does one properly store the edibles? And then there is of course the factor of making the edible appeasing to consumers taste buds.
As cannabis edibles continue to grow in availability and popularity, issues surrounding these types of businesses are also on the rise. Colorado food inspectors have been cracking down on cannabis edible companies and distributors that aren’t following the correct procedures. Per the Denver Post:
“Food safety inspections of businesses that manufacture and sell marijuana edibles in Denver have found products that should be refrigerated sitting out on shelves and preparation methods insufficient to kill bacteria that can cause serious food-borne illness.
The unannounced visits by the Denver Department of Environmental Health have led to three product recalls and the destruction of tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of products.”
If you are a cannabis edible company, or are thinking of starting a cannabis edible company, then you are aware that there is a greater need for rules and regulations in this sector of the cannabis industry. Customers want to know that the products they are buying are safe. The general public wants to know that cannabis edible companies are following proper food handling practices. Right now all eyes are on Colorado, and everything has to be done right in order for the industry to spread and flourish inside and outside of Colorado.
